Mario Lopez, the actor and television personality known for “Saved by the Bell” and as a longtime host of “Access Hollywood,” will emcee the inaugural Presidential 1776 Award national finals, a civics competition for high school students, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The event, which will air June 30 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and stream the following day on Paramount+, will bring together regional finalists from across the United States to answer questions about “the Constitution, America’s founding principles, and defining moments in U.S. history,” according to a department press release.
“We are thrilled to have Mario Lopez help bring these inspiring students and their impressive achievements to audiences nationwide,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.
The top three finalists will win a combined $250,000 in scholarships, the department said. The Presidential 1776 Award is part of the America250 celebration marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, a nationwide series of events and programs organized by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. The award is designed to promote civics knowledge among high school students, the department said.