OAKES, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) A senior at Oakes High School has been selected as a candidate to be named as a Presidential Scholar from North Dakota.

Marissa Diggs was named by the United States Department of Education this week as one of 70 students statewide who have the opportunity to be selected as one of two Scholars from the state.

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of the 70 North Dakota candidates were chosen because of demonstrated promise in career and technical education, while another two were picked because of both their academic and CTE potential.

“To be named as a Presidential Scholar candidate is one of the most impressive honors a high school senior can receive,” said North Dakota School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler. “These students, along with their parents, relatives, classmates, teachers and administrators, should be proud of these outstanding young people, and should celebrate their achievement.”

Being chosen as a candidate for the Presidential Scholar award is only the first step in the process. To be considered for the award itself, students must complete an application, which includes essay questions, and submit a transcript, letter of recommendation and other information.

Once the applications are received, a review committee evaluates them and names a group of semifinalists, which usually happens in mid-April. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars then reviews the semifinalists’ applications, and ultimately chooses one male and one female Presidential Scholar for each state.

Presidential Scholars receive an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in late June to meet with educators and government officials, and receive a medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

Colton Carlson and Julia Shirley from Jamestown were also selected.