Western Michigan high school wins national contest to have Obama give commencement address

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Michigan school wins Obama as graduation speaker

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A school in western Michigan has won a contest to have President Barack Obama make its commencement address this spring.

Kalamazoo Central High School was one of three finalists in the Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge. Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the winner Tuesday.

The school said Obama will speak June 10.

Kalamazoo Central High is part of Kalamazoo Public Schools, which provides scholarships covering 65 percent to 100 percent of a student’s college tuition for four years.

The two other finalists were Cincinnati’s Clark Montessori Junior High and High School and the Denver School of Science and Technology.