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Four students from three Ann Arbor Public Schools' high schools have been named semifinalists in the U.S. Presidential Scholars competition.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program annually recognizes approximately 141 of the nation's most exceptional graduating high school seniors. They are selected from an initial pool of about 3,000 candidates, who are then narrowed down to 560 semifinalists.

Fifteen seniors from Washtenaw County were chosen as candidates in January. The students had until Feb. 28 to apply for the prestigious award.

Pioneer High School students Elizabeth Hines and Daniel Rothchild, Huron High School student Valerie Peng and Community High School student Acer Xu were named semifinalists. In total, Michigan had 17 students advance.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is not a scholarship program, but rather it's a recognition program.

Winners receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D. C. in June and are presented with a medallion in commemoration of their achievements during an award ceremony sponsored by the White House.

During their visit to the nation's capital, students will have access to national and international figures, including government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other accomplished individuals, according to the program's website.

The scholars also are provided opportunities to wrestle with important issues concerning the nation and world; participate in volunteer activities, such as community service to help those in need in the D.C. area; attend recitals, receptions and ceremonies planned in their honor; and visit U.S. museums and monuments.

The 141 finalists will be named later this month.

Candidates are chosen based on their ACT and SAT test scores or through demonstrated talent in the visual, creative and performing arts, the website says.

Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.