On Becoming Themselves: The 1964–1968 Presidential Scholars 40 Years Later

Abstract

Every year since 1964, approximately 120 high-school seniors have been selected for presidential recognition, from across the United States. As the first cohort of Presidential Scholars enters their 60s, we wanted to hear what they think about the roles that academic, professional, and personal achievement have played in their lives and to reconsider sex differences found in earlier studies. Our findings are reported here both as summary data of the responses of 145 Scholars from the 1964–1968 cohort and as selected excerpts, in their own words. Participants in this study share their wisdom about giftedness and talent as it develops across the life span and offer advice to parents, educators, and highly capable young people. They emphasize the importance of hard work, perseverance, and personal relationships and suggest that success is more about self-acceptance and personal fulfillment than it is about formal recognition and prizes.

Keywords:

• achievement
• awards
• contribution
• follow-up studies
• gifted
• gifted adults
• identity
• Presidential Scholars
• recognition
• sex differences
• talent development