DAPHNE, Ala. — John Clark and Mary Katherine Shoemaker, graduating seniors at Bayside Academy, have been recognized as two of more than 3,000 candidates in the 2011 Presidential Scholars Program.

John and Mary Katherine were selected from nearly 3.2 million students graduating in U.S. high schools in 2011.

John Clark is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Clark of Daphne. He is a member and co-captain of Scholars Bowl, the Science Olympiad team (participant and medalist), the Honor Council, the National Honor Society, Spanish Club (president), Teen Tutors and track team. He has served three years as an SGA representative. He is the recipient of the Rensselaer Medal for Mathematics and Science and the Harvard Club Book Award. John will represent Alabama in the Hearst U.S. Senate Youth Program. He has been named both a National Merit Semifinalist and a College Board AP Scholar with Honor.

Mary Katherine is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Marshall Shoemaker of Point Clear. She is a graduate of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program, is a member of Scholars Bowl, the Honor Council, the Girls Service Club (president), Science Olympiad team (participant and medalist), Teen Tutors and the National Honor Society. She has represented Daphne as a Dogwood Trail Maid, served as a Baldwin County Junior Miss Little Sister, has been a hospital volunteer, has attended the Alabama Governor’s School, and has been named both a National Merit Commended Student and a College Board AP Scholar with Honor.

Inclusion in the Presidential Scholars Program is selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

The 3,000 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT. Further consideration for advancement in the program is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 500 semifinalists in early April.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of 32 eminent citizens appointed by the president, will make the final selection of the Scholars. They will select one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. students living abroad; 15 students-at-large; and up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts. The U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities with their elected representatives, educators and other leading individuals in public life.