Middle Creek Senior Named US Presidential Scholar
 James David Turner Middle Creek High |
May 17, 2011 - US Education Secretary Arne Duncan named Middle Creek High Senior James David Turner a 2011 US Presidential Scholar.
Turner is the only WCPSS student and one of two NC students among the 141 outstanding high school seniors to receive this honor. NC State University has named Turner a Park Scholar, providing full tuition for four years at NC State.
At Middle Creek High, Turner has earned the honor of valedictorian. Turner is the president and founder of the Math Honor Society and is president of the National Honor Society.
He founded and managed the nonprofit enterprise, Heartbeats for Kids, which raises funds for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. Turner is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Shaw University Research Apprentice. He has been recognized as a Prudential Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist and has earned six Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Awards for completing over 1,700 hours of community service.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars appointed by the president selected the scholars based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Each Presidential Scholar invites his most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, DC, to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the US Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events. Turner named Mike James of Middle Creek High as his most influential teacher.
The Scholars travel to Washington, DC on June 18-21 as guests of the program for National Recognition Weekend for educational, celebratory and fellowship activities. Scholars participate in seminars, lectures and workshops with government officials, elected representatives, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other accomplished people; perform community service; and attend cultural events and ceremonies held in their honor. During the weekend, they forge friendships that often last a lifetime. The weekend culminates in a White House-sponsored event at which the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Medallion.
The US Presidential Scholars Program is a nonpartisan, public-private partnership designed to recognize and provide leadership development experiences for some of America's most outstanding graduating high school seniors. It is not a scholarship program, but it is one of the Nation's highest honors for high school students.
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