MEDIA RELEASE

Kyle Matsuda, a senior at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, has been named one of about 550 semifinalists in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Kyle Matsuda

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.

Matsuda is the son of Richard and Leslie Matsuda of Waimea.

Other Hawaii semifinalists are James Ha, Punahou School; Emily Hamblet, Punahou School; Travis Le, Punahou School; Iris Kuo, Iolani School; and Kimiko Matsuda-Lawrence, University Laboratory School.

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.

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.