SABATTUS – Luther F. Schalk, a graduating senior at Living Word Homeschool in Sabattus and a registered student at North Atlantic Regional High School in Lewiston, has been named one of approximately 550 semifinalists in the 2007 Presidential Scholars Program.

Schalk is the son of Charles and Mary Schalk of Sabattus.

The semifinalists were selected from more than 2,700 candidates on the basis of superior achievements, leadership qualities, personal character and involvement in community and school activities.

Final selection of the scholars will be made by the Commission on Presidential Scholars. 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; 15 students-at-large; and up to 20 students representing the visual, literary and performing arts. The U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., for several days in the second half of June to receive the Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in activities held in their honor.

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.