Artesia Student Selected as Candidate for Presidential Scholars Honor

ARTESIA, CA -- An Artesia high school senior is among the nearly 500 California students selected as candidates for the 2017 Presidential Scholars honor.

Esol J. Yoon from Whitney High School is among 4,000 candidates nationwide -- 497 in California. They were chosen based on superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

The group will be whittled down to 800 semi-finalists in April. No more than 161 Presidential Scholars will be chosen in May.

They will be honored in Washington, D.C., with medals at a recognition ceremony.

-- Patch editor Bea Karnes contributed to this story. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Education.