8 isle students selected as award semifinalists

Eight Hawaii high school seniors have been selected as semifinalists for the 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars program.

The students — three from public schools and five from private schools — were selected from among 5,100 students and are in the running, along with 723 semifinalists nationwide, to be named U.S. Presidential Scholars, considered one of the nation’s highest honors for high school graduates.

The Department of Education said the program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance; talent in the visual, creative and performing arts; and accomplishments in career and technical education fields. The program also considers evidence of community service, civic leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

The semifinalists, who were chosen from among 48 Hawaii candidates:

>> Alisa L. Boland, ‘Iolani School

>> Tyler M. Labonte, Mili­lani High School

>> Nathan D. Lee, ‘Iolani School

>> Jommel T. Macaraeg, Waipahu High School

>> Carter Nakamoto, Punahou School

>> Alyssa M. Roberts, Punahou School

>> Sidney Y. Vermeulen, Hawaii Preparatory Academy

>> Emily Yang, Kalani High School

For a full list of this year’s semifinalists, go to 808ne.ws/­PresScholarsFinalists.