10 high school seniors in Va., Md., and DC named as 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars
WASHINGTON (7News) — Ten high school seniors in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. have been named to the list of 2023 US Presidential Scholars.
Five Virginia students were listed. Three of those are from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology in Fairfax County, the number one ranked high school in America, according to U.S. News.
Two of the scholars named attend the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, one from Maryland and one from D.C.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 2023 list of Presidential Scholars on Wednesday.
Out of 3.7 million students nationwide, 5,000 candidates qualified for the 2023 awards. Only 161 made the final list, according to a statement from the Education Department.
“U.S. Presidential Scholars have always represented the future of our country and the bright promise it holds.I want each of these remarkable students to know: your passion and intellect, pursuit of excellence, and spirit of service are exactly what our country needs,” Cardona said. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to join your family, friends, and communities in celebrating your accomplishments.Aim high, share your talents, and continue embracing opportunities to lead as your exciting future unfolds.”
2023 Presidential Scholars from Virginia:
- Emma E. Cox, McLean - Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
- Mira Iris Kim, Fairfax - Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
- Teja Koduru, Fairfax - Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
- Emily Ocasio, falls church - New School Northern Virginia
- Mayra Rios, Vienna - James Madison High School
2023 Presidential Scholars from Maryland:
- Maya Naomi Lall, Bethesda - Holton-Arms School
- Cassidy May Reigel, Manchester - Baltimore School for the Arts
- Andrew Z. Yuan, Boyds - Poolesville Senior High School
2023 Presidential Scholars from the District of Columbia:
- Sophia Hall, Washington - Holton-Arms School
- Saul Villatoro, Washington - Francis L. Cardozo High School
Each year, theWhite House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects high school seniors based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.
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President Lyndon B. Johnson established the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program by executive order in 1964.
“The 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education,” according to the DOE announcement.
The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.
A complete list of 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available here.
