He’s in select company

Elmont Memorial’s Michael Bailey nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program

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Elmont High School senior Michael Bailey, 17, has been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program.

Bailey loves music, math and science, and plays in the school's jazz band, chamber orchestra, string orchestra and marching band.

He started playing the alto saxophone in fourth grade and the violin in fifth. "I'm better at the sax," he said. "It's my first love. Science and math are my favorite subjects in school, especially physics, because it combines them both. I took physics in 11th grade and just got it. Music is so creative and emotionally open to interpretation, where science and math are definitive. That's why I appreciate them both."

Ranked sixth in his graduating class and with a grade point average of 98.44, Bailey would like to major in music composition in college. He expects to choose the school he'll go to soon.

"I'd like to write scores for television and film," he said. "I'd like to perform on Broadway and get a Tony Award." 

The U.S. Presidential Scholars program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979 the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015 the program added a category for those studying in the career and technical education fields. 

Each year, up to 161 students are named U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. Students have the opportunity to become Presidential Scholars based on three paths of accomplishment, the General Component, the Arts Component and the Career/Technical Education component. 

Bailey was surprised when he received the letter announcing his nomination. "I thought I was being punked, or pranked," he said. "People like me don't get these kinds of awards." Bailey was referring to his speech impediment, which he said has exposed him to some bullying. "I stutter," he explained. "It's hard for me to talk to people."

Though some of his classmates still pick on him, Bailey refuses to be bothered."It's actually helped me get stronger and better, a thicker skin," he said. "They try to say I'm annoying and stupid, but I know I'm not. In seventh grade, when the other students found out I was smart, they were shocked. I broke that mold. I don't let it define me. No disability should be an excuse. Prove it to yourself to be better."

Twenty-five New York state high school seniors have been nominated for the Presidential Scholars program, State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said in a prepared statement.

"When students challenge themselves and commit themselves to excellence, the results can be astounding," she said.  "All of these nominees have demonstrated exceptional academic success, artistic excellence or career skills development. They represent the best of New York's future and show a real drive to make the world a better place."

In Nassau County, Bailey and Sofia Gutierrez, of West Hempstead, were nominated on Dec. 9. Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont) recognized Bailey's nomination on Jan. 3.

"Our community would like to congratulate Elmont Memorial High School Senior Michael Bailey on his nomination, by the New York State Department of Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, for the prestigious Presidential Scholars Program," Solages said. "Michael is an excellent role model for others, challenging himself throughout high school, and demonstrating his ability to persevere and achieve his goals. He has made the Sewanhaka Central High School District and the 22nd Assembly District very proud. We wish him the best of luck as he moves into the next phase of this national competition."

The majority of the scholars are selected on the basis of broad academic achievement. About 20 additional students are chosen because of their academic and artistic scholarship in the visual or performing arts, or creative writing. Another 20 are picked on the basis of their outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

A review committee evaluates candidates on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay. Approximately 800 candidates are named semifinalists and forwarded to the Commission on Presidential Scholars for further review, while all Arts and Career/Technical Education nominees are automatically advanced to the semifinalist stage after they submit candidacy materials.

In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars reviews the applications of the semifinalists based on the same criteria used by the review committee. Once selected, the scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program, held in June in Washington, D.C. Students enjoy an expenses-paid trip to the capital and meet with government leaders and educators. To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded U.S. Presidential Scholars medallions at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

For more than 50 years, this federal program has honored about 7,000 U.S. Presidential Scholars, who have demonstrated leadership, scholarship and contribution to school and community. Bailey attributes his academic success to his teachers, specifically those in his school's music department.

"Mr. Henry, Ms. Johnson and Ms. Torres are always available whenever I needed them, whether it's 6:45 a.m. or during class," he said. "It has been my privilege working with them, as they've always been very supportive and helped me gain confidence."Bailey's advice to other students is to keep working, and when something isn't a success, ask for help. "In today's society, there is so much pressure to get 100 percent on every single test or project," he said. "Don't be afraid to reach out to your teachers for help when you need it. My point is to strive to be the best you can be. I think you just have to work hard."