All Presidential Scholars have been invited to attend the awards ceremonies June 25—28 in Washington, D.C. This four-day event includes seminars, a reception for recipients, an Exhibition of Works in the Literary and Visual Arts, and a presentation to the students of the Presidential Scholars Medallion in a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspirational teacher to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the recognition events. The teachers also receive Teacher Recognition Awards from the U.S. Department of Education. Gigi has chosen Anne Smith, her Middle School Latin teacher, as her Most Influential Teacher. Mrs. Smith will join her in Washington at the festivities. "I am honored to be recognized as an inspirational teacher by such a beloved, extraordinarily gifted student.  It has been a joy teaching in a school committed to excellence and developing in each child a love of learning, with the courage and grace to be compassionate citizens.  As a Middle School Latin teacher, I enjoy sharing with my students my passions for Latin, classical art, and archaeology. Gigi will always be "summa cum laude" in my book!"

From the Department of Education website:
The Presidential Scholars program was established in 1964 to honor academic achievement and was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Over 2,700 candidates from the nearly three million students expected to graduate from high school in 2005 qualified on the basis of outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT assessments, or nomination through the annual nationwide Arts Recognition and Talent Search® (ARTS) conducted by the program's non-profit partner, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

Here is more information on the Presidential Scholars program.