Austin W. Davis, a graduating senior at Newport High School, has been named one of approximately 560 semifinalists in the 2011 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The semifinalists were selected from more than 3,000 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, a group appointed by the president and will be announced later this month. 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.

Semifinalists were chosen by a panel of educators after a review of students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts.