COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Clement Li, a graduating senior Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School, has been named one of approximately 550 semifinalists in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The semifinalists were selected from more than 3,300 candidates on the basis of superior achievements, leadership qualities, personal character, and involvement in community and school activities.
Li is a senior in the IB program at Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School. In addition to being a part of FIRST Robotics Team 233, The Pink Team, he enjoys playing violin, solving Rubik’s cubes, and teaching math or science. He also participates in academic team competitions and is involved with his church. Last summer, he worked on organic solar cell research at the University of Central Florida. Although he is still deciding which college to attend, Li would like to study chemistry, chemical engineering, or aerospace engineering.
The 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program semifinalists were chosen by a panel of distinguished educators after a review of students’ essays, self assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts.
Final selection of the Scholars will be made by the Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of eminent citizens appointed by the President, and will be announced in May. The Commission will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad; up to 20 students representing the visual, literary and performing arts; and 15 students at-large.
Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., in June to receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in various activities and events held in their honor.