When you gaze at the stars or walk through a forest, it’s easy to forget that human existence is just a tiny blip in Earth’s vast timeline. But behind every footprint and fossil is a story stretching back millions of years. So, how long have humans been on Earth ? The answer takes us on an awe-inspiring journey that blends science, survival, and evolution—more than just dates on a timeline. ๐งฌ From Primordial Origins to the Rise of Homo Sapiens ๐ฟ The Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old , but the ancestors of humans began their evolutionary path far later. According to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , early members of the human lineage—called hominins —emerged in Africa about 6 to 7 million years ago . These early relatives, such as Sahelanthropus tchadensis , walked upright but were far from what we know as modern humans . It wasn’t until about 300,000 years ago that Homo sapiens , our direct species, appeared. This milestone, supported by findings fr...
๐️ Executive Order of the President: Celebrating Excellence Through the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program ๐
When an Executive Order of the President leads to a legacy of honoring youth, the result is one of America’s most prestigious recognitions for high school students—the Presidential Scholars Program . This powerful initiative, started under President Lyndon B. Johnson , has transformed over the years to include not just academic excellence but also creative arts and technical skillsets that reflect the evolving talents of the American student body. ๐ The Beginning: A Vision of National Academic Pride The foundation for this national honor was set in motion by Executive Order 11155 , signed on May 23, 1964 . The order established the Commission on Presidential Scholars , tasked with recognizing high school seniors across the United States who exhibit exceptional academic performance . According to the U.S. Department of Education , this commission selects students based on both merit and recommendations from their respective states, giving a platform for excellence from every cor...