Two Hawai'i students among honorees

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Vice President Dick Cheney awarded medallions yesterday to 141 Presidential Scholars from high schools across the nation and saluted the students as post-Sept. 11 symbols of American pride.

Hawai'i's scholars were Kara S. Tabor-Furmark of Kapolei, a recent graduate of Punahou School, and David T. Yoshida of Mililani, an Iolani School graduate.

Cheney presided over the ceremony after President Bush bowed out to fly to Arizona and survey wildfire damage.

The students were selected by the Education Department's Commission on Presidential Scholars based on exceptional test scores on the College Board SAT or ACT Assessment. Twenty of the students were selected based on their artistic abilities.

Recalling America's solidarity and nationalism after the terrorist attacks, Cheney said the scholars were "a new generation applying the old virtues of perseverance patience and discipline."

"Every time this happens all of us have another reason to be proud of our country and optimistic about its future."

The scholars program was established in 1964 by President Johnson and is one of the nation's highest honors for high-school students.