The Presidential Scholars Program  is open to only a select few, and senior Brian Chang has been chosen to be one of those few.

The Presidential Scholars Program is presented by the Department of Education and the White House.

“It was honor,” Chang said. “I didn’t know much about the program at first, but the more I learned, I was very excited.”

The award was started in 1964 by the executive order of the president to recognize the nation’s most distinguished seniors. In 1979, the program was expanded to include the seniors who are exceptionally gifted in the arts.

Chang said he was beyond surprised when he found out he had been nominated.

“The nomination was based on SAT and ACT scores,” he said. “I had didn’t have any part of it. I was chosen by the government.”

Finalists are invited to participate in the National Recognition Program in June in Washington, D.C.

“ I am very excited for this,” he said. “The rewards of being selected are tremendous. You get to go to DC expenses paid, and you get to meet the President. I also realize that it is a tough competition.”