Did You Know?

De La Salle Collegiate Senior is a Presidential Scholar

Senior Ben Van Berkum is a Presidential Scholar Finalist! Only 141 students across the country received the prestigious honor, having demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. U.S. Presidential Scholars were honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C. last month, and had the opportunity to meet with the President.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was created in 1964 to honor academic achievement. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, D.C., to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events. As part of the process, Ben submitted an essay describing an influential teacher. He named Mr. Michael Karas, chair of the DLS Social Studies Department.