Wauwatosa East student named 2016 presidential scholar

A Wauwatosa student has been named a semifinalist for the 2016 Presidential Scholars award, considered the nation's highest honor for graduating high school seniors, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Wauwatosa East High School student Henry R. Lynch is one of 12 students from Wisconsin to be named a semifinalist. There are 689 semifinalists in total from across the nation.

"Congratulations to the state's Presidential Scholar Semifinalists," said State Superintendent Tony Evers. "These students have shown exceptional academic scholarship and talent in the career and technical education fields. In addition to recognizing your hard work, I extend thanks to your parents and teachers who supported this accomplishment."

The Presidential Scholars program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of the country's most distinguished high school students, according to the release.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars will make the final selection of the nation's 121 academic Presidential Scholars — one male and one female from each state — and up to 15 students chosen at large. Selected students will travel to Washington D.C. in June to receive a medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House. Students will also travel around the city and meet with a number of authors, scientists, government officials and more.