Mount Saint Charles Senior was Named a Candidate in the US Presidential Scholars Program

WOONSOCKET, RI – Madeline Charbonneau, a graduating senior at Mount, has been named one of more than 4,000 candidates in the 2016 US Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.3 million students expected to graduate high school this year. Madeline is from Mendon, MA and is the daughter of Bree and Dennis Charbonneau.

Inclusion in the US Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 52nd year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities.

Having attended Mount from grades 7-12, Madeline has a cumulative GPA of 4.16 and has been listed on the Excelsior Honor roll from grades 9-12 (a minimum GPA of 4.0 and no grade below a C). She was also a member of the National Honor Society in grades 10, 11, and 12 and has received several academic awards during her career at the Academy. In addition to her academic accomplishments, Madeline has served in several leadership roles. She was captain of her varsity cross country team and track team, was the founder of the running club and, during her sophomore year, held the position of Class of 2016 vice president. Active in school and in her community, Madeline is a musician in the Academy’s Fine Arts department  and spends much of her time volunteering at various service opportunities such as at the Ronald McDonald House and at Trinity Nursing Home in Woonsocket, RI.

“Mount Saint Charles Academy is proud of the recognition that Ms. Maddi Charbonneau is receiving for her tremendous work ethic and determination,” Edwin Burke, principal of Mount Saint Charles, said. “She is a young woman who is committed to scholarship and service, and she embodies the mission of the school. We at Mount Saint Charles join Maddi’s family in celebrating her effort.”

The US Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to their school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Annually, up to 161 US Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities, culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House sponsored ceremony.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 800 semifinalists in April. The Commission of Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the US Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

About Mount Saint Charles Academy 

Mount Saint Charles Academy is located in Woonsocket, RI and is a private, Catholic junior-senior high school in the tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. It serves  a co-educational community in a college preparatory environment. Students are challenged through a rigorous academic program and through religious and co-curricular experiences to become people of faith who use their talents and intellects to serve others.

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