San Diego's High Tech High International, a finalist in the running for the White House's "Commencement Challenge" competition, was not selected as the host for President Barack Obama to give the school's commencement speech.
The announcement was made Tuesday during an anounncement by the White House. The kids were disappointed by were happy to have had the chance to participate.
"Slightly disappointed, but at the same time really happy because this contest was about promoting a great education and exposing what great things schools are doing, so I'm glad we're showing that to other people in the world," said High Tech High senior Alan Duong.
The winning school, Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tenn. was announced Tuesday morning via Twitter.
The high school was one of the three finalists selected in the 2011 Race to the Top Commencement Challenge. The other finalist was Bridgeport High School, Bridgeport, Wash.
"At this moment, I do not feel disappointed, I feel very accomplished and I think to make it this far we did amazing things," HTH video team meber and student Marisol Jenkins.
School administrators said students at High Tech High have identified Michelle Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton as potential choices for commencement speakers.
