News Detail
Two Seniors Named Presidential Scholar Candidates
Seniors Kevin F. Considine and John P. “Jack” Nugent have been named as candidates in the 2020 United States Presidential Scholars Program. Of the nearly 3.6 million high school seniors graduating this year, Kevin and Jack are among only 4,500 students to receive an invitation to apply. Being selected as a candidate is a tremendous mark of distinction, and becoming a Presidential Scholar is one of the highest honors our nation’s high school students may receive.
“I have had incredible classes, teachers and service and faith opportunities at Loyola Academy,” says Kevin, who is a four-year member of the swimming and water polo teams. “I have been nurtured in ways I could not have imagined as a freshman, but only now realize as a senior. Having my youngest sibling here as a freshman this year has made me realize how far I've come.” When Kevin isn't at swimming or water polo practice, you're likely to find him at a Math Team meeting, playing tennis with his brothers, caddying or volunteering at Sunrise Senior Living or the Howard Area Community Center, where he enjoys playing soccer with the kids there. Next year, Kevin anticipates studying electrical and/or mechanical engineering and eventually hopes to use his degree to make the world a better place.
“My experience at Loyola has helped me grow intellectually and as a person,” says Jack, who is president of the Math Modeling Club, Math Team oralist, and a Clavius Scholar. Jack has paired his love of math and science—he competes on the Scholastic Bowl and Science Olympiad and his favorite classes are AP Physics C and Discrete Math—with an eagerness to help others. He has tutored elementary students at Family Focus, an organization that promotes the well-being of children by supporting and strengthening families, and has volunteered at Brandel Care, a retirement and assisted living facility in Northbrook. With interests that span from computer programming, machine learning, and computer algorithms, Jack plans to study both mathematics and computer science at The University of Chicago next year. He would like to combine these interests and work in the technology domain.
The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. In 1979, it was expanded to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.
Students are eligible to apply based on either their outstanding performance on the ACT Assessment or the College Board SAT, or by nomination by school administration or a partnering organization.
In the spring, the Commission on Presidential Scholars will name a maximum of 161 high school seniors as U.S. Presidential Scholars. These awardees will travel to Washington, DC, where they will receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House during the National Recognition Program.
In addition, both Kevin and Jack were named National Merit Semifinalists in fall 2019. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Best wishes to Kevin and Jack!
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