The Beaufort County School District said it has selected three high school seniors, including a May River student, to compete for U.S. Presidential Scholar Awards.

Anna Brown of Beaufort High, Raul Leyva of Hilton Head Island High, and Maximus Weitekamper of May River High will represent the district as candidates for state nominations.

Brown and Leyva were selected based on criteria including involvement and service (in school and community); leadership and character; high academic achievements; and consideration for extraordinary achievement for possible challenges or hurdles overcome while still achieving high success.

Brown is recognized for her high academic performance and commitment to volunteer work. This includes the development and facilitation of monthly activities for the Children’s Abuse Prevention Association and taking an interest in clean water initiatives.

Leyva achieves excellence through the International Baccalaureate program and is involved in extracurricular activities including a leadership role with the Latinx Affinity Space Club, which provides academic resources for first-generation, low-income minorities.

Weitekamper was selected based on criteria including high achievement in academic courses and career and technical programs; mastery of technical skills demanded by industry; and demonstration of employability skills such as professional skills for teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving developed within a career pathway.

Weitekamper is dedicated to his academics and excellence in pursuit of technical skills. He will be a dual completer in the Welding and Engineering pathways with an interest in design and helping others.

The district has submitted the students’ applications to a South Carolina Department of Education committee that will select semifinalists to represent the state. Semifinalists will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington in June and will be presented with the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964.