Fifty-two seniors have been selected as candidates for the 2019 Presidential Scholars program, designed to recognize and honor some of the country’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

The program has been expanded twice: to recognize students demonstrating exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts and to recognize students demonstrating ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

Up to 161 students will be named Presidential Scholars later in the spring. Local Fairfax County Public Schools students named Presidential Scholar candidates are Veronica Lang, Noah Schneier, Rosy Sultana and Kristen Waagner from McLean High School.