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Presidential Scholars 6/19/91 [OA 8324]
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S
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MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13761
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13761-007
Folder Title:
Presidential Scholars 6/19/91[OA 8324]
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26
21
4
7
STAFFED
8
6/14 4pm
64
(Smith/Grossman)
27
June 13, 1991
Draft Four
SCHOLARS.TS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
ROSE GARDEN
"ab Affairs
Acknowledgements -- ladies and gentlemen, friends. Welcome
Dan
to the White House -- and to an event that celebrates the highest
Cusso
scholastic honor a President can bestow. //
((First, I want to say there's no rule that says the person
giving this speech has to be as smart as the students receiving
the scholarships.) //
( (I wasn't the most brilliant student in America, but then I
wasn't quite like George Burns. George once said, "Smartness
runs in my family. When I went to school I was so smart my
teacher was in my class for five years. ) //
Even at 95, George Burns would salute the Presidential
Scholarship Program, now 27 years old. / Today, I would like to
discuss how education can -- and must -- help prepare America's
children to serve the nation, and the world. //
Let me begin by asking you to look at yourselves. What do
you see? You see some of our best and brightest young people.
You see living educational success stories. You see our hope for
an exciting, rich future. //
You come from every sort of background -- every race and
creed. You live in all fifty states, the District of Columbia,
Puento Rico
2
U.S. territories, and in other lands. But as Americans, you
revere learning, achievement -- and the hope that both create.
MARISA
California's Maria DeSalles (Dee SAIZ) realizes that. She
EXPECTS TOBE
is the first woman in her family to earn an undergraduate degree.
// So does Jonathan Sievers (Seevers) -- born on Kwajaleln in the
SEE
siblinin
Marshall Islands. He is the third member of his family commended
as a Presidential scholar -- that's really remarkable. Jonathan
thanks his parents -- let me use his words -- for "making me
(?)
X
practice and for leaving the fish alone." // Then, there
Hong
another Kai Ng (Key Ing) of Illinois. Coming here from
in
1974, she learned English from her sister and Sesame Street. //
Funny: That's the same place I'm trying to learn computer
programming. //
Education traditionally has served as the ladder that
enables individual Americans to reach beyond the clouds. Every
time someone succeeds in going further, higher -- we all reap the
benefits.
Almee Crago (eh-may cray-go) a Presidential scholar from
said
Louisiana, has written: "I think that in order to be the person
X
one wants to be, one needs to have a knowledge of all the people
one could be, and education provides this knowledge. " /
It has become something of a cliche to say that knowledge is
power -- but it is. Knowledge, imagination, ambition: these form
the pillars for our future. Education can help us keep our
competitive edge and imaginative fires -- here and abroad. It
gives us the means to raise our standard of living and improve
3
the quality of our lives: It can lead us into a new Golden Age
of information, understanding, and technology.
America has no natural resource more precious than its
intellectual resources. // That is why, recently, I announced
our America 2000 Education Strategy -- a pioneering movement to
make -- and keep -- American education number one. //
For today's students, we must make existing schools better
and more accountable. For tomorrow's students, the next
generation -- we must create new generations of American schools.
For all of us -- for the adults who think our school days are
over -- we've got to become a Nation of scholars -- recognize
that learning is a lifetime process. Finally, outside our
schools, we must cultivate communities where learning can occur.
//
Our education strategy realizes that education can help us
practically. For over 200 years, America's genius has created
the wireless and model T and integrated circuits. ( (I'm reminded
of the man who was asked what he would take if his house was on
fire and he could remove only one thing. // He answered, "I
would take the fire. ") ) // American scholarship works. //
Yet education must also shape us morally -- providing the
grounding ideas and values crucial to democracy. // I have said
that in America, the definition of a successful life must include
serving others. But you cannot serve if, you cannot read. You
cannot serve if you cannot think. You cannot serve if you cannot
separate good from bad, true from false, practical from dreamy.
4
Just as many have labored to share their knowledge with you
-- parents, teachers, administrators, friends -- you must follow
suit. // Give of yourselves -- as a tutor in a prison, at a
local school, in a homeless center. You will share something far
more profound than little scraps of information. You will share
a way at looking at the world -- and at looking at oneself. //
You are today's trailblazers and leaders. What you learn
today and in years to come will help us make the 21st Century the
next American Century. It won't be easy. ((I recall once how,
marking an examination paper shortly before Christmas, the noted
89
scholar William Lyon Phelps came across a note. The note read,
speech
"God only knows the answer to this question. Merry Christmas."
Phelps returned the paper with the annotation, "God gets an A.
You get an F. Happy New Year. ") )
You can't bluff your way through the future. You have to
face it squarely -- and take it on. You will encounter
roadblocks, but you will overcome them. You will conquer through
resilience / scholarship / and above all, the example of your
lives. //
As you do. think of those who deserve our thanks. People
Ender
like
,
Chairman of the White House Commission on Presidential
Scholars. / And the Commission sponsors. / And let me salute
X
the Commissioner members who chose you 141 honorees from among
(138 of 141 will be inDe
America's high school graduates. //
seniors
But also remember the teachers who inspired you -- the
friends or adults who counseled you, supported you, gave you the
5
confidence to achieve great things. // Kathryn Cunningham, a
Scholar from Vermont, has said, "I thank my parents for their
advice that achievements mean nothing if they don't help anyone
else." All your parents ought to be proud. While this is your
day, it's also theirs. //
To every Presidential Scholar, my heart-felt congratulations
-- and in closing, a challenge. // Let us not only move mankind
into the future. Let us better it, ennoble it. Make the best of
the special blessings bestowed upon you. God bless you, and your
wonderful families. And God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
#
Curt
REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
WHITE HOUSE ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 1989
2:30 P.M.
SECRETARY CAVAZOS, RONNA ROMNEY, MEMBERS OF THE
COMMISSION, SPONSORS AND SELECTED GUESTS, DISTINGUISHED
TEACHERS, PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS.
LET ME WELCOME YOU TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
- 2 -
of a Nation le arrastees of
You KNOW, THAT GREAT ENGLISH LEADER, BENJAMIN
DISRAELI, ONCE SAID, "Youth IS THE TRUSTEE OF
POSTERITY." AND THE POET JAMES LOWELL WAS MOVED TO
WRITE, "IF YOUTH BE A DEFECT, IT IS ONE WE OUTGROW ONLY
TOO SOON."
WELL, AS THIS YEAR'S PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS, YOU
REMAIN THE TRUSTEES OF OUR POSTERITY.
- 3 -
AND I HOPE YOU'LL ACCEPT SOME COUNSEL FROM ONE WHO'S A
LITTLE LONG IN THE TOOTH: IF YOUTH IS A DEFECT,
TREASURE IT AS MANY YEARS AS YOU CAN.
WE MEET HERE ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM. AND TO HONOR SOME OF
THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST STUDENTS IN AMERICAN
EDUCATION.
THIS MARKS THE HIGHEST SCHOLASTIC HONOR THAT A
PRESIDENT CAN BESTOW -- AND I AM HONORED TO BESTOW IT.
- 4 -
FOR WHILE ALREADY YOU HAVE DONE MUCH, I KNOW YOU WILL
DO MORE. AND NOT FOR YOURSELVES ALONE -- BUT FOR
NATION, AND NEIGHBOR: LEARNING, CARING, HELPING
EDUCATION LEAD THE WAY.
I BELIEVE IN EDUCATION. AND SO DO YOU -- FOR THE
EVIDENCE IS YOUR LIVES. You COME FROM BACKGROUNDS OF
EVERY RACE AND CREED. AND FROM ALL FIFTY STATES, THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, U.S. TERRITORIES AND FAMILIES
LIVING ABROAD.
- 5 -
AND YOU'VE EXCELLED IN THE CLASSROOM, AND OUTSIDE IT:
THROUGH LEADERSHIP, CHARACTER, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE.
You KNOW, AS I DO, HOW EDUCATION CAN UNLEASH YOUR
TALENTS. TAKE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR EBEN HEWITT OF
MUNCIE, INDIANA. HE STARTED A SHAKESPEARE CLUB AT HIS
HIGH SCHOOL. OR ANOTHER SCHOLAR, CLARITY HAYNES OF
WASHINGTON, D.C.'s DUKE ELLINGTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS.
SHE IS FLUENT IN PORTUGUESE AND SPANISH [PAUSE]
- 6 -
I'M JEALOUS. SOME PEOPLE SAY I'M NOT EVEN FLUENT IN
ENGLISH.
EDUCATION CAN BE THE GREAT UPLIFTER --
INDIVIDUALLY, AND FOR AMERICA. PERHAPS MEATH BOWEN, A
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR FROM ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, PUT IT
BEST: "AN EDUCATED PERSON," SHE SAID, "HAS CHOICES,
ALTERNATIVES, AND CAN EXERCISE FREEDOM OF MIND IN ALL
AREAS OF LIFE."
- 7 -
Now, I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING: IT WON'T BE
EASY. AND YOU'RE RIGHT: THERE'LL BE ROADBLOCKS ALONG
THE WAY. I'M REMINDED OF HOW ONCE, MARKING AN
EXAMINATION PAPER WRITTEN SHORTLY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THE
NOTED SCHOLAR WILLIAM LYON PHELPS CAME ACROSS THIS
NOTE: "God ONLY KNOWS THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION.
MERRY CHRISTMAS." PHELPS RETURNED THE PAPER WITH THE
ANNOTATION: "GOD GETS AN A. You GET AN F. HAPPY NEW
YEAR."
- 8 -
ROADBLOCKS? You BET. BUT YOU CAN OVERCOME THEM.
AND AS YOU DO, REMEMBER THAT AN EDUCATED PERSON ALSO
HAS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. I HAVE SAID THAT IN
AMERICA, THE DEFINITION OF A SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST
INCLUDE SERVING OTHERS. WELL, THAT GOES DOUBLE FOR
AMERICA'S BEST. MANY HAVE LABORED TO SHARE THEIR
KNOWLEDGE WITH YOU. You CAN GIVE THEM NO GREATER GIFT
THAN TO SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH OTHERS.
- 9 -
IN THAT SPIRIT, A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE BROUGHT YOU
HERE, AND THEY DESERVE OUR THANKS. LIKE RONNA ROMNEY,
CHAIRMAN OF THE WHITE HOUSE COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL
SCHOLARS. AND THE COMMISSION SPONSORS. AND LET ME
SALUTE THE 47 COMMISSION MEMBERS WHO CHOSE YOU 141
HONOREES FROM AMERICA'S HIGH-SCHOOL GRADUATES. BUT
MOST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK -- AND ASK YOU TO THANK --
ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO FORM THE FABRIC OF YOUR LIFE.
- 10 -
TODAY, AND IN THE YEARS TO COME, REMEMBER THAT
FAVORITE TEACHER -- THE HISTORY INSTRUCTOR WHO WAS A
FRIEND, AND MENTOR; THE BIOLOGY TEACHER WHO DID THE
IMPOSSIBLE -- HELPED YOU DISSECT A FROG. REMEMBER THAT
CARING GUIDANCE COUNSELOR. OR THE FOOTBALL COACH WHO
GAVE OF HIS TIME, AND OF HIMSELF. AND REMEMBER THOSE
WHO LOVE YOU MOST, AND WHO POINT YOU TOWARD THE STARS:
WHAT SCHOLAR CHRISTINE OH OF BELLVILLE, GEORGIA, HAS
CALLED "THE BACKBONE OF MY SUCCESS." YOUR FAMILY.
- 11 -
MY FRIENDS, THIS IS YOUR DAY. BUT IT IS ALSO THEIR
DAY. So LET ME CLOSE WITH A STORY YOUR FAMILY MIGHT
APPRECIATE: ABOUT LEARNING, AND TEACHING, AND SCHOLARS
OF ALL AGES.
THE STORY GOES THAT PHYSICIST JAMES FRANCK WAS
PROFESSOR AT GOTTINGEN UNIVERSITY IN GERMANY WHEN
ROBERT OPPENHEIMER, THEN ONLY 23, WAS BEING EXAMINED
FOR HIS DOCTORATE.
- 12 -
ON EMERGING FROM THE ORAL EXAM, FRANCK REMARKED: "I
GOT OUT OF THERE JUST IN TIME. HE WAS BEGINNING TO ASK
ME QUESTIONS."
IN COMING YEARS, YOU'LL ASK MANY QUESTIONS.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR FAITH AND FUTURE, PROBLEMS AND
PRIORITIES, ABOUT WHAT WE CAN BECOME, AND WHY WE ARE
HERE.
- 13 -
EDUCATION CAN PROVIDE SOME ANSWERS. AND SO CAN THE
PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN IT, AND YOU: YOUR LIFE-LONG
LOCAL MINISTER, THE FATHER WHO TRUDGED HIS SON TO
LITTLE LEAGUE, THE MOTHER WHO TOILED NIGHT AND DAY so
THAT HER DAUGHTER COULD GO TO COLLEGE.
TRUST THESE PEOPLE. MAKE THEM PROUD. HONOR THEM
BY THE LIVES YOU LEAD. AND AS YOU DO, REMEMBER HOW
THEIR VALUES, WHICH ARE EDUCATION'S VALUES, CAN MAKE
OURS A BETTER, RICHER, MORE DECENT WORLD.
- 14 -
To EVERY PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR -- MY HEART-FELT
CONGRATULATIONS. AND TO ALL OF YOU HERE -- THANK YOU
FOR COMING TO THE WHITE HOUSE, GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD
BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
# # # #
06. 12. 91 05:29 PM
P O 2
Presidential Scholar Quotes
Marisa DeSalles (Dee-Saiz) -- California
"If as a teacher I can get people--kids and parents--excited about learning and
discovering, I will feel successful."
Alison Stuebe (stew-bee) New York
"I gradually became convinced that one of the biggest problems teachers face
today Is the responsibility to be everything from pediatrician to pedagogue on an ever-
shrinking budget."
Almee Crago (eh-may cray-go) -- Louisiana
"I think that in order to be the person one wants to be, one needs to have a
knowledge of all the people one could be, and education provides this knowledge."
Jim Funk -- Oklahoma
"... a good teacher does more than teach a course. A good teacher influences
my development, causes me to somehow grow as a person and not just expand my
knowledge."
Heather Versaw (verse-aw) - Colorado
"In general, if parents place a high priority on education and participate In their
children's schooling, their children will learn the value of working for an education."
2
06. 12. 91 02:26 PM
P 0 1
THE WHITE HOUSE
COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
ROOM 2189
400 MARYLAND AVENUE. S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL
TO:
Jennifer Grossman
Speechwriting
FROM: Judy Siders
Assistant Director
91 JUN 12 P2: P2:35 35
DATE:
June 12, 1991
PAGES: 5. including cover
Dear Jennifer:
Following is information about the Presidential Scholars Program and
Scholars. suggested background Information about and quotes from this year's Presidential
I hope this helps you out. Please let me know if I can do anything further.
My direct line is 401-2910. Thanks.
06. 12. 91
02:26 PM
P02
Talking Points
1991 Presidential Scholars Program
*
Begun in 1964 by Executive Order 11155 of President Lyndon Johnson, the
Presidential Scholars Program is administered out by the White House
Commission on Presidential Scholars.
*
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars Is a group of 30 eminent
private citizens appointed by the President. This year It is chaired by
Governor John Engler of Michigan.
The purpose of the program is to identify our country's most outstanding high
school seniors and recognize them during National Recognition Week in
Washington, D.C., each June.
*
In 1991, 139 of the 141 invited Presidential Scholars will be in Washington June 15
to 20 to attend receptions, luncheons and seminars In their honor. The
Medallion Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House at is the highlight
of the week.
*
Of the 141 Presidential Scholars, 121 were selected on the basis of their academic
achievement, leadership skills, community service and high moral character.
An additional 20 were selected on the basis of their outstanding
accomplishments in the arts.
*
In 1983, the Presidential Scholars Program was expanded to include the
recognition of Distinguished Teachers. A Distinguished Teacher is the
educator named by a Presidential Scholar as having had the most influence
on his or her academic or artistic achievement.
*
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation will present each Presidential Scholar a gift of
$1,000 at a recognition reception to be used to pursue an educational dream.
For more information, contact Judy Siders (401-2910) or Deeling Teng (401-3758).
P03
06. 12. 91
02:26 PM
Selection Process
1991 Presidential Scholars Program
*
In January, approximately 1,500 high school seniors were Identified by a computer
search as Presidential Scholars Semifinalists on the basis of their high scores
on either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of the College Board or the ACT
Assessment of the American College Testing Program. These 1,500 students
were sent candidacy materials inviting them to participate in the program.
*
In March, a review committee of 18 financial aid and admissions officers met in
Washington, D.C., to review the candidacy materials of the Semifinalists. They
selected 500 Finalists from that pool.
In April, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars convened in
Washington, D.C., to select the 141 Presidential Scholars using the same
candidacy materials.
*
On April 30, the White House notified the Presidential Scholars of their selection by
mailgram.
The Commission selects one male and one female from each state, including the
District of Columbia, Americans living abroad and the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico. An additional 15 are selected at-large to bring the total to 121.
Up to 20 more students are selected as Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
The nominating agency for the Presidential Scholars in the Arts is the National
Foundation for Advancement In the Arts of Miami, FL.
P 0 4
06. 12. 91
02:26 PM
1991 Presidential Scholars Program
Presidential Scholars Quotes
Chad Christophersen -- Indiana
"I thank my parents for the advice, the encouragement, the late nights, the
listening, the jumpshots, the second chances, the laughs and the love."
Sumit Basu (Soo-mit Bass-u) -- lowa
"I thank my parents for tolerating an encouraging my tireless curiosity.
Because of their belief in learning, I have never been afraid to ask a question.
Tracy Ediger (Edi-gher) - Nebraska
"I'd like to thank my parents for always making the family a top priority and for
reading to us."
Kathryn Cunningham -- Vermont
"I thank my parents for their advice that achievements mean nothing If they
don't help anyone else."
David Pearah (Pare-uh) Gm Illinois
"Thanks to my mom for turning off the t.v. and ejecting me from the phone,
and my dad for the lunches he made for me everyday, saving me five minutes
for myself."
P05
06. 12. 91
02:26 PM
1991 Presidential Scholars Program
Facts About Selected Scholars
Jonathan Sievers (Seevers) -- Americans Abroad
Jonathan was born on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, which is a one-
square mile island in the Central Pacific. He is the third sibling in his family to
be chosen a Presidential Scholar, and thanks his parents for "making me
practice and for leaving the fish alone."
Nephi Allred (Nee-figh) -- Utah
Nephi's mother was a Presidential Scholar in 1965, the second year of
the program. She received her Presidential Scholars Medallion directly from
President Johnson.
Kal Na (Kye Ing) -- Illinois
Kal and her family immigrated to the United States in 1974, knowing no
English on their arrival. She learned the English language from her sister
and "Sesame Street."
Peter Fort -- Vermont
Peter and his family immigrated to the United States in 1987 from
Czechoslovakia. He knew no English upon arrival, but within two years was
selected to attend Governor's Institute on International Affairs and will attend
Harvard University to major in International relations.
Marisa DeSalles (DeeSalz) -- California
Marisa plans to attend Spelman College and expects to be the first
woman in her family to earn an undergraduate degree.
1782
PROCLAMATIONS, 1916.
rights. Prior settlement accordance with this proclamation. Persons having prior settle-
ment rights or preferences, as above defined, will be allowed to make
entry in conformity with existing law and regulations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this tenth day of May, in the
year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and sixteen,
[SEAL.] and of the Independence of the United States the one
hundred and fortieth.
WOODBOW WILSON
By the President:
ROBERT LANSING
Secretary of State.
1916-PR-1335
May 30, 1916.
Br THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
A PROCLAMATION.
Flag day.
My Fellow Countrymen: Many circumstances have recently con-
Celebration
niversary
of adopting of an- spired to turn our thoughts to a critical examination of the condi-
United States flag.
tions of our national life, of the influences which have seemed to
threaten to divide us in interest and sympathy, of forces within and
forces without that seemed likely to draw us away from the happy
traditions of united purpose and action of which we have been 80
proud. It has therefore seemed to me fitting that I should call your
attention to the approach of the anniversary of the day upon which
the flag of the United States was adopted by the Congress as the em-
blem of the Union, and to suggest to you that it should this year and
in the years to come be given special significance as a day of renewal
and reminder, a day upon which we should direct our minds with a
special desire of renewal to thoughts of the ideals and principles of
which we have sought to make our great Government the embodi-
ment.
General observance
I therefore suggest and request that throughout the nation and if
with patriotic exercises
requested.
possible in every community the fourteenth day of June be observed as
FLAG DAY with special patriotic exercises, at which means shall be
taken to give significant expression to our thoughtful love of America,
our comprehension of the great mission of liberty and justice to which
we have devoted ourselves as a people, our pride in the history and our
enthusiasm for the political programme of the nation, our determina-
tion to make it greater and purer with each generation, and our reso-
lution to demonstrate to all the world its vital union in sentiment and
purpose, accepting only those as true compatriots who feel as we do
compulsion of this supreme allegiance. Let us on that day rededicate
ourselves to the nation, "one and inseparable", from which every
thought that is not worthy of our fathers' first VOWS of independ-
ence, liberty, and right shall be excluded and in which we shall stand
with united hearts, for an America which no man can corrupt, no
influence draw away from its ideals, no force divide against itself
nation signally distinguished among all the nations of mankind for
its clear, individual conception alike of its duties and its privileges, its
obligations and its rights.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington this thirtieth day of May, in the
year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and sixteen,
[SEAL.] and of the independence of the United States of America
the one hundred and fortieth.
WOODROW WILSON
By the President:
ROBERT LANSING,
Secretary of State.
06. 12. 91 12:48 PM
P01
THE WHITE HOUSE
COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
ROOM 2189
400 MARYLAND AVENUE. S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL
TO:
Jennifer Grossman
Speechwriting
FROM:
Judy Siders
Assistant Director
DATE:
June 12, 1991
PAGES:
54 including cover
Dear Jennifer:
Following Is Information about the Presidential Scholars Program and
suggested background information about and quotes from this year's Presidential
Scholars.
I hope this helps you out. Please let me know if I can do anything further.
My direct line is 401-2910. Thanks.
06. 12. 91
12:48 PM
P02
Talking Points
1991 Presidential Scholars Program
*
Begun in 1964 by Executive Order 11155 of President Lyndon Johnson, the
Presidential Scholars Program is administered out by the White House
Commission on Presidential Scholars.
*
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars is a group of 30 eminent
private oitizens appointed by the President. This year it is chaired by
Governor John Engler of Michigan.
*
The purpose of the program is to identify our country's most outstanding high
school seniors and recognize them during National Recognition Week In
Washington, D.C., each June.
*
In 1991, 139 of the 141 Invited Presidential Scholars will be in Washington June 15
to 20 to attend receptions, luncheons and seminars in their honor. The
Medallion Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House at Is the highlight
of the week.
*
Of the 141 Presidential Scholars, 121 were selected on the basis of their academic
achlevement, leadership skills, community service and high moral character.
An additional 20 were selected on the basis of their outstanding
accomplishments in the arts.
*
In 1983, the Presidential Scholars Program was expanded to include the
recognition of Distinguished Teachers. A Distinguished Teacher is the
educator named by a Presidential Scholar as having had the most influence
on his or her academic or artistic achievement.
*
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation will present each Presidential Scholar a gift of
$1,000 at a recognition reception to be used to pursue an educational dream.
For more information, contact Judy Siders (401-2910) or Dealing Teng (401-3758).
06. 12. 91
12:48 PM
P03
Selection Process
1991 Presidential Scholars Program
*
In January, approximately 1,500 high school seniors were Identified by a computer
search as Presidential Scholars Semifinalists on the basis of their high scores
on either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of the College Board or the ACT
Assessment of the American College Testing Program. These 1,500 students
were sent candidacy materials inviting them to participate in the program.
*
In March, a review committee of 18 financial aid and admissions officers met in
Washington, D.C., to review the candidacy materials of the Semifinalists. They
selected 500 Finalists from that pool.
*
In April, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars convened in
Washington, D.C., to select the 141 Presidential Scholars using the same
candidacy materials.
*
On April 30, the White House notified the Presidential Scholars of their selection by
mailgram.
*
The Commission selects one male and one female from each state, including the
District of Columbia,Amerieans-living-abroad and the Commonwealth.of
Puerto Rico. An additional 15 are selected at-large to bring the total to 121.
Up to 20 more students are selected as Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
*
The nominating agency for the Presidential Scholars in the Arts is the National
Foundation for Advancement in the Arts of Miami, FL.
06. 12. 91 12:48 PM
P04
1991 Presidential Scholars Program
Presidential Scholars Quotes
Chad Christophersen - Indiana
"I thank my parents for the advice, the encouragement, the late nights, the
listening, the jumpshots, the second chances, the laughs and the love."
Sumit Basu (Soo-mit Bass-u) -- lowa
"I thank my parents for tolerating an encouraging my tireless curiosity.
Because of their belief in learning, I have never been afraid to ask a question.
Tracy Ediger (Edi-gher) - Nebraska
"I'd like to thank my parents for always making the family a top priority and for
reading to us."
Kathryn Cunningham - Vermont
"I thank my parents for their advice that achievements mean nothing if they
don't help anyone else."
David Pearah (Pare-uh) - Illinois
"Thanks to my mom for turning off the t.v. and ejecting me from the phone,
and my dad for the lunches he made for me everyday, saving me five minutes
for myself."
06. 12. 91 12:48 PM
P 0 5
1991 Presidential Scholars Program
Facts About Selected Scholars
Jonathan Slevers (Seevers) -- Americans Abroad
Jonathan was born on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, which Is a one-
square mlie Island In the Central Pacific. He is the third sibling in his family to
be chosen a Presidential Scholar, and thanks his parents for "making me
practice and for leaving the fish alone."
Nephi Allred (Nee-figh) - Utah
Nephl's mother was a Presidential Scholar in 1965, the second year of
the program. She received her Presidential Scholars Medallion directly from
President Johnson.
Kai Ng (Kye Ing) -- Illinois
Kai and her family Immigrated to the United States in 1974, knowing no
English on their arrival. She learned the English language from her sister
and "Sesame Street."
Peter Fort -- Vermont
Peter and his family immigrated to the United States in 1987 from
Czechoslovakla. He knew no English upon arrival, but within two years was
selected to attend Governor's Institute on International Affairs and will attend
Harvard University to major in international relations.
Marisa DeSailes (DeeSaiz) - California
Marisa plans to attend Spelman College and expects to be the first
woman in her family to earn an undergraduate degree.
06..12.91 05:29 PM
P01
THE WHITE HOUSE
COMMISSION ON PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
ROOM 2189
400 MARYLAND AVENUE, S.W.
91 JUN 12 P6: 33
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202
FACSIMILETRANSMITTAL
TO:
Jennifer Grossman
Speech Writing
FROM:
Judy Siders
Assistant Director
DATE:
June 12, 1991
PAGES: 2, including cover
Dear Jennifer:
Following please find a listing of a number of quotes by scholars
regarding education. I hope that at least one of these is suitable to your
purpose. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. 401-2910
(Smith/Grossman)
June 12, 1991
Draft Two
SCHOLARS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 1991
ROSE GARDEN
, ladies and gentlemen, friends. Welcome to the White
House -- and to an event which celebrates the highest scholastic
honor a President can bestow. //
( (First, I want to say there's no rule that says the person
giving this speech has to be as smart as the students receiving
the scholarships. )) //
((I wasn't the most brilliant student in America, but then I
wasn't quite like George Burns. George once said, "Smartness
runs in my family. When I went to school I was so smart my
teacher was in my class for five years. ")) //
Even at 95, George Burns would salute the Presidential
Scholarship Program, now 27 years old. / It has been said, "Give
me the children until they are seven, and you may have them
afterward." Today, I would liek to discuss how education can --
and must -- help prepare America's children to serve the Nation,
and the world. //
Let me ask you to look to your left and right. What do you
see? You see the best and brightest -- examples of how education
can enrich us personally. // You come from backgrounds of every
race and creed -- and from all fifty States, the District of
Columbia, U.S. territories, and families living abroad. You know
2
how education is our most enduring legacy -- vital to everything
we are, and can become. //
realized that. He started a , and wants to be a
-
lawyer. So does -- she . Then, there's . She is fluent
in
and . // I'm jealous. // Some say English is my only
foreign language. / /
Education is a private bequest. Yet it can also enrich us
nationally. , a Presidential scholar from , has written: "
" / He knows how education can keep America competitive,
raise our standard of living, and improve our quality of life --
presaging a new Golden Age of information, understanding, and
technology. //
America has no natural resource more precious than its
intellectual resources. // That is why, recently, I announced
our America 2000 Education Strategy -- a pioneering movement to
make -- and keep -- American education No. 1. 11 For today's
students, we must make existing schools better and more
accountable. For tomorrow's students, the next generation -- we
must create new generations of American schools. For all of us -
- for the adults who think our school days are over -- we've got
to become a Nation of scholars -- recognize that learning is a
lifetime process. Finally, outside our schools, we must
cultivate communities where learning can occur. //
Our education strategy realizes that education can help us
practically. For over 200 years, America's genius has created
the wireless and model T and integrated circuits. ((I'm reminded
3
of the man who was asked what he would take if his house was on
fire and he could remove only one thing. // "I would take the
fire, " he replied.) ) // American scholarship works. //
Yet education must also shape us morally -- providing the
grounding ideas and values so crucial to democracy. It must aid
us, too, nobly and selflessly. // I have said that in America,
the definition of a successful life must include serving others.
Just as many have labored to share their knowledge with you --
parents, teachers, administrators, friends -- you must follow
suit. // Give of yourselves -- as a tutor, at a homeless center.
Shoulder the duties and responsibilities of sharing your
knowledge with others -- as Americans always have / as Americans
always will. //
You are the trailblazers of today who must be the leaders of
tomorrow -- using lessons learned to mold the next American
Century. It won't be easy. ( (I recall once how, marking an
examination paper shortly before Christmas, the noted scholar
William Lyon Phelps came across a note. The note read, "God only
knows the answer to this question. Merry Christmas. "" / Phelps
returned the paper with the annotation, "God gets an A. You get
an F. Happy New Year. ") ) Roadblocks, yes. But you will
overcome them -- through the resilience / scholarship / above
all, example of your lives. //
As you do, think of those who deserve our thanks. People
like , chairman of the White House Commission on Presidential
Scholars. / And the Commission sponsors. / And let me salute
4
the Commissioner members who chose you honorees from among
-
-
America's high-school graduates. // .Most of all, remember those
who brought you into life -- who bequeathed their love. Remember
the teacher who inspired you -- the priest who counseled you --
the parents who are as proud of you as any President could ever
be. // This is your day. It is also theirs. //
To every Presidential Scholarship, my heart-felt
congratulations -- and in closing, a challenge. // Let us not
only move mankind into the future. Let us better it, reinvent
it. Already, you have done much. Together, we must do more.
God bless you, and your wonderful families. And God bless the
United States of America.
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 19, 1991
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS MEDALLION CEREMONY
The South Lawn
2:35 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome. Good to see all of you.
Welcome. Well, please be seated. It's a delight to have you all
here at the White House. May I salute the Chairman, my old friend
John Engler, who also doubles as the Governor from Michigan -- an
awesome assignment, but has found time like all of our committee to
give to this worthwhile program, and I'm very grateful to you, John.
And then, of course, on my right here, Secretary Lamar Alexander, our
new Secretary of Education, a former governor who's really bringing a
new drive and a new focus on our program, America 2000, which I think
has a real shot now at revolutionizing education in this country.
And we need it. We need to start from scratch and take a new look.
So I salute both of them.
I particularly want to thank the members of the
commission and the corporate sponsors, and all of you, thank you for
coming. Welcome to the White House, and to an event that bestows the
highest scholastic honor that a president can bestow.
First, I want to say that there's absolutely no rule here
that says that the person giving the speech has to be as smart as the
students receiving the scholarships. (Laughter.) Thank heavens.
(Laughter.)
Which reminds me of what George Burns once said:
"Smartness runs in my family. When I went to school I was so smart
my teacher was in my class for five years." (Laughter.) Well, even
at 95 -- and he was here the other day -- George Burns would salute
this program -- the Presidential Scholarship Program, now 27 years
old. And today, I would like to discuss, briefly, how education can
-- and must -- help prepare America's children to serve the nation
and the world.
Let me begin by asking you to look at yourselves and say,
what do you see? You see some of our best and brightest young
people. You see living educational success stories. You see our
hope for an exciting and rich future.
You come from every sort of background -- every race and
creed. You live in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto
Rico, and in other lands. But as Americans, you revere learning,
achievement, and the hope that both create.
California's Marisa DeSalles realizes all of that. And
she expects to be the first woman in her -- where is she? Now, we've
got to salute some of these folks, if I'm going to be talking about
you. Okay. (Applause.) She expects to be the first woman in her
family to earn an undergraduate degree. And so does Jonathan
Sievers. No, no? Okay, the guy didn't make it. We'll I'll talk
about him anyway. There he is. Good. (Applause.) Good.
He was born in Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, and he
is the third sibling in his family commended as a presidential
scholar -- and that is really remarkable. (Applause.) And he knows
who to thank. He thanks his parents. And let me just say how he
phrased it, for "making me practice and for leaving the fish alone."
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- 2 -
(Laughter.) You have to be from Kwajalein, like I was once, to
understand this inside joke. (Laughter.) Then, there's another, Kai
Ng of Illinois. Kai, where are you? Right there. (Applause.)
Coming here from Hong Kong in 1974, she learned English from her
sister and Sesame Street. She can tell you how you can do it.
That's the same place I'm trying to learn how to run a computer.
(Laughter.)
Now, education traditionally has served as the ladder
that enables individual Americans to reach beyond the clouds. And
every time someone succeeds in going further -- higher -- we all reap
initiatives. And we all reap the benefits.
Aimee Crago, a presidential scholar from Louisiana.
She's here with us. Aimee, now, we don't want to embarass you, but
stand up. (Applause.) And if you don't mind my quoting you, "I
think that' in order to be the person one wants to be, one needs to
have a knowledge of all the people one could be, and education
provides this knowledge."
It's become something of a cliche to say that knowledge
is power, but it really is. And knowledge, imagination, ambition:
these form the pillars of our future. Education can help us keep our
competitive edge and imaginative fires -- here and abroad. It gives
us the means to raise our standards -- the standards of living to
improve the quality of our lives. It can lead us into a new golden
age of information, understanding and technology.
America has no natural resource more precious than its
intellectual resources. And that's why, recently, I. announced this
program I referred to earlier, called America 2000. It's an
education strategy. It is, really -- look at the details -- it's a
pioneering crusade to make and keep American education number one.
For today's students, we must make existing schools not
only better, but more accountable. For tomorrow's students, the next
generation, we must create a new generation of American schools. And
for all of us -- for the adults who think our school days are over --
we've got to become a nation of students, recognizing that learning
is a lifelong process. Finally, outside our schools, we must make
our communities places where learning can occur.
Our education strategy realizes that education can help
us practically. For over 200 years, America's genius has created
innovations like the wireless, the Model T, and integrated circuits.
I'm reminded of the man who was asked what he would take if his house
was on fire and he could only remove one thing. He answered, "I
would take the fire." American scholarship works. (Laughter.)
Yet education must also shape us morally -- providing the
grounding ideas and values crucial to democracy. I have said -- and
I really believe this -- that in America, the definition of a
successful life must include serving others. But you cannot serve if
you can't think. You cannot serve if you can't separate good from
bad, true from false, practical from dreamy.
Just as many have labored to share their knowledge with
you -- parents and teachers and administrators and friends -- you
must follow suit. Give of yourselves -- as a tutor in a prison, at a
local school, in a homeless center. You will share something far
more profound than little scraps of information. You will share a
way of looking at the world and, in the process, of looking at
yourself.
So this may be hard to put in focus, but you are today's
trailblazers and leaders. What you learn today and in years to come
will help us make the 21st century the next American century. It
won't be easy. I recall once, marvelous story, of a professor who
left Yale just before I got there, he was marking an examination
paper shortly before Christmas -- and for those of my generation, I'm
talking about William Lyon Phelps -- and the noted scholar that he
was came across a note. The note read, "God only knows the answer to
MORE
- 3 -
this question. Merry Christmas." The guy handed his paper in like
that. Phelps returned the paper with an annotation, "God gets an A.
You get an F. Happy New Year. " (Laughter.) True story.
I guess what I'm saying is, you can't bluff your way
through the future. And you have to face it squarely and take it on.
And you will encounter obstacles, but you will overcome them. And
you will conquer through resilience, through scholarship and, above
all, the example of your lives.
And as you do, think of those in this program again who
deserve our thanks. Our governor here, Governor John Engler, who is
Chairman of this White House Commission. Think of the Commission
sponsors who enable you to do this. And let me salute the Commission
members who choose 141 1 honorees from among all of America's high
school seniors.
But also remember the teachers who inspired you, the
friends or adults who counseled you, supported you, gave you the
confidence to achieve great things. Kathryn Cunningham, a Scholar
from Vermont, has said, "I thank my parents for their advice that
achievements mean nothing if they don't help anyone else." All your
parents ought to be proud. While this is your day, I kind of think
it's also theirs.
And to every Presidential Scholar, my heartfelt
congratulations. And in closing, a challenge: Let us not only move
mankind into the future, let us better it, ennoble it. Make the best
of the special blessings bestowed upon you. God bless you all and
your wonderful families. And may God bless the United States of
America. Thank you and congratulations to all of you. (Applause.)
END
2:45 P.M. EDT