Vashon Island High School senior Alden Rogers is one of 4,000 candidates throughout the nation eligible for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program.

Candidates were chosen from more than 3 million graduating seniors and needed to demonstrate superior academic and artistic achievement, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

A committee will select 800 semifinalists in April who will then be in the running for one of up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholar spots.

Scholars will be honored with a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet numerous government officials and accept a medallion at a White House-sponsored ceremony