This is an official and prestigious piece of American scholastic recognition: the vintage Presidential Academic Fitness Award lapel pin, issued by the U.S. Department of Education. This award was presented to students during the 1980s and 1990s who demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, often based on standardized test scores.
Pin Description:
Design: A small, detailed gold-tone metal pin.
Inscription: The words "Presidential Academic Fitness Award" are engraved or raised around the central emblem.
Fastener: Standard tack-and-catch pinback.
Condition:
The pin is in very good vintage condition. The metal shows a slight, even mellowing of the gold tone but no significant tarnish or corrosion. All details are crisp and clear. The pinback clasp is secure. This is an undamaged, official award pin.
Significance & Collectibility:
Educational History: Represents a specific, discontinued national academic award program from the Reagan/Bush era.
Nostalgia: A meaningful keepsake for former recipients who earned this honor in middle school or high school.
Award & Merit Badge Collecting: Fits into collections of scholastic awards, official government pins, or achievement memorabilia.
This pin is a tangible symbol of a significant childhood academic honor. It carries more weight than a standard club pin, representing a national-level commendation for scholarship.
A distinguished piece of personal and educational Americana.