Three seniors from Lawrence high schools are among more than 3,000 candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Yoshika Crider and Stephanie Drahozal, of Lawrence High School, and Kate Falkenstien, of Free State High School, have received invitations to apply for the competition.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education chose the nominees. The competition recognizes scholars for their success in academics and the arts. It also stresses leadership and school and community involvement.

Each year, up to 141 graduating seniors are chosen for the honor. They receive medallions at a White House ceremony in June and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Semifinalists will be announced in April, and winners will be notified in May.

Two Lansing High School students, Harold Laurence and William Pace, were also selected as nominees. A total of 52 Kansas students were nominated.