The White House has not wanted to disclose how many applications were trickling in for the second-annual Race to the Top commencement challenge—which became a PR challenge for the Obama administration when interest waned.

Well, we know at least 6 schools applied, (okay, probably a lot more), because that’s how many finalists there are, as announced by the White House today. The schools, which have a chance to host President Barack Obama as their graduation speaker this spring, are:

• Bridgeport High School (Bridgeport, Wash.)
• Wayne Early Middle College High School (Goldsboro, N.C.)
• Booker T. Washington High School (Memphis, Tenn.)
• Science Park High School (Newark, N.J.)
• Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12, School for Creative and Performing Arts (Pittsburgh, Penn.)
• High Tech High International (San Diego, Calif.)

In announcing the finalists online, the White House said it received “hundreds” of applications. In the coming weeks, a video presentation from each finalist will be posted on the White House’s website. The public will be able to vote for their favorite, and the top three will be forwarded to Obama, who will make the final decision.

Last year, Kalamazoo Central High School in Michigan won.