Archived Information

141 Students from Across the Country Named 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars

May 6, 2013

Contact:  
Press Office, (202) 401-1576, press@ed.gov
Simone Olson, Program Office, (202) 401-0961


U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the 49th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 141 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics or the arts.

"Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence," Duncan said. "I'm honored to celebrate their creativity, hard work, and community service, and I encourage them—and all students—to continue to showcase the capacity for greatness in our nation's young people."

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Of the three million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 3,300 candidates qualified for the 2013 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers or the National YoungArts Foundation's nationwide YoungArts™ competition.

The 2013 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 from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 6,000 of the nation's top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in D.C. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts.

The 2013 ceremony will be held June 16, when each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion.

A complete list of 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars follows and is also available here.

  • AL—Madison—David M. Hergenroeder, Bob Jones High School, Madison, AL. Most influential teacher: Teresa Tarter, Madison, AL.
  • AL—Madison—Martin A. Wang, Bob Jones High School, Madison, AL. Most influential teacher: Greg Duvall, Madison, AL.
  • AL—Owens Cross Roads—Hema V. Pingali, Randolph School, Huntsville, AL. Most influential teacher: Ruth McMichens, Huntsville, AL.
  • AK—Kenai—Annaleah Ernst, Nikiski Junior-Senior High School, Nikiski, AK. Most influential teacher: Laura Niemczyk, Nikiski, AK.
  • AK—Unalaska—Aidan H. Bobbitt, Unalaska High School, Unalaska, AK. Most influential teacher: John Conwell, Unalaska, AK.
  • * AZ—Gilbert—Jangwoo Eom, Highland High School, Gilbert, AZ. Most influential teacher: Thomas Landschoot, Tempe, AZ.
  • AZ—Sahuarita—Erica L. Schwarz, Sahuarita High School, Sahuarita, AZ. Most influential teacher: Lori Punske, Sahuarita, AZ.
  • AZ—Scottsdale—Victor Y. Wang, BASIS Scottsdale Charter, Scottsdale, AZ. Most influential teacher: John Nishan, Scottsdale, AZ.
  • AR—Maumelle—Kylie L. McClanahan, Central Arkansas Christian School, North Little Rock, AR. Most influential teacher: Melissa Leverett, North Little Rock, AR.
  • AR—Prairie Grove—Fred W. Pohlman, Prairie Grove High School, Prairie Grove, AR. Most influential teacher: Dickie Thomasson, North Little Rock, AR.
  • * CA—Berkeley—Elena A. Pinderhughes, Berkeley High School, Berkeley, CA. Most influential teacher: Daisy Newman, El Cerrito, CA.
  • * CA—Beverly Hills—Jeremy D. Corren, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Los Angeles, CA. Most influential teacher: Barry Pohlmann, Los Angeles, CA.
  • * CA—El Monte—Andrea O. Rodriguez, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Los Angeles, CA. Most influential teacher: Julie Friedrich, Beverly Hills, CA.
  • CA—Goleta—Daniel D. Richman, Dos Pueblos High School, Goleta, CA. Most influential teacher: Jeffrey Souther, Goleta, CA.
  • CA—Granite Bay—Matthew B. Staley, Staley Home School, Granite Bay, CA. Most influential teacher: Natalie Staley, Granite Bay, CA.
  • CA—Irvine—Alexander Jow, University High School, Irvine, CA. Most influential teacher: David Knight, Irvine, CA.
  • * CA—Los Angeles—Mason A. Park, Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts, Los Angeles, CA. Most influential teacher: William Goldyn, Los Angeles, CA.
  • CA—Los Angeles—Lillian T. Peng, University High School, Los Angeles, CA. Most influential teacher: Deborah Robbins, Los Angeles, CA.
  • * CA—Manhattan Beach—Daisy K. Jacobson, Chadwick School, Palos Verdes Pen, CA. Most influential teacher: Diane Lauridsen, Torrance, CA.
  • * CA—Palo Alto—Hilda Huang, Palo Alto Senior High School, Palo Alto, CA. Most influential teacher: John McCarthy, San Francisco, CA.
  • * CA—Valley Village—Cameron J. Covell, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Los Angeles, CA. Most influential teacher: Karen Bennett, Sherman Oaks, CA.
  • * CA—West Covina—Analisa Gutierrez, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Los Angeles, CA. Most influential teacher: Lois Hunter, Los Angeles, CA.
  • CO—Centennial—John L. Brock, Arapahoe High School, Littleton, CO. Most influential teacher: Brian Hatak, Littleton, CO.
  • CO—Highlands Ranch—Amy Chen, Highlands Ranch High School, Highlands Ranch, CO. Most influential teacher: Jerry Goings, Castle Rock, CO.
  • CT—Cheshire—Aneri C. Pattani, Cheshire High School, Cheshire, CT. Most influential teacher: Sue Coco, Southington, CT.
  • CT—Farmington—Tyler L. Hoffman, Farmington High School, Farmington, CT. Most influential teacher: Farrel Vogelhut, West Hartford, CT.
  • DE—Newark—John Daniel Coburn, Sanford School, Hockessin, DE. Most influential teacher: Lloyd Johns, Elkton, MD.
  • DE—Newark—Cassie M. Lukasiewicz, Charter School of Wilmington, Wilmington, DE. Most influential teacher: Mark Thompson, Wilmington, DE.
  • DC—Washington—Isabel A. Di Rosa, Woodrow Wilson Senior High School, Washington, DC. Most influential teacher: Tennille Bowser, Silver Spring, MD.
  • DC—Washington—Cameron Thariani, St. Alban's School, Washington, DC. Most influential teacher: Sherry Rusher, Washington, DC.
  • FL—Coral Springs—Ronald D. Laracuente, Coral Glades High School, Coral Springs, FL. Most influential teacher: Lisa Plass, Plantation, FL.
  • FL—Davie—Dakota J. Connell-Ledwon, Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Most influential teacher: Michael Ruggie, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
  • * FL—Miami—Mateo Nava, Design & Architecture Senior High School, Miami, FL. Most influential teacher: Hans Evers, Miami Beach, FL.
  • * FL—Miami Beach—Katiuscia Z. Gregoire, Design & Architecture Senior High School, Miami, FL. Most influential teacher: Rosemary Pringle, Miami, FL.
  • GA—Marietta—George Q. Fei, George Walton High School, Marietta, GA. Most influential teacher: Diane Smyser, Marietta, GA.
  • GA—Marietta—Hali L. Mo, George Walton High School, Marietta, GA. Most influential teacher: Carlos Barrera, Marietta, GA.
  • HI—Kailua-Kona—Zoe C. Sims, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Kamuela, HI. Most influential teacher: Mollie Hustace, Kamuela, HI.
  • HI—Kamuela—Paul N. Gregg, Parker School, Kamuela, HI. Most influential teacher: Kiyoshi Najita, Kamuela, HI.
  • ID—Boise—Joseph R. Bell, Riverstone International School, Boise, ID. Most influential teacher: Brad Nelson, Boise, ID.
  • ID—Boise—Josephine E. Minick, Centennial High School, Boise, ID. Most influential teacher: Cindy Wilson, Boise, ID.
  • IL—Oak Park—Scott G. Daniel, Oak Park & River Forest High School, Oak Park, IL. Most influential teacher: Jessica Young, Oak Park, IL.
  • IL—Vernon Hills—Vivian Y. Wang, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, IL. Most influential teacher: Melissa Mack, Lincolnshire, IL.
  • IL—Wheaton—Adam G. Erickson, Wheaton-Warrenville South High School, Wheaton, IL. Most influential teacher: Philip Culcasi, Downers Grove, IL.
  • IN—Granger—Erika L. Kirgios, Penn High School, Mishawaka, IN. Most influential teacher: Cheryn Drake, Granger, IN.
  • IN—Zionsville—James Y. Wang, University High School, Carmel, IN. Most influential teacher: Derek Thomas, Indianapolis, IN.
  • IA—Ames—Alex Y. Huang, Ames High School, Ames, IA. Most influential teacher: Jean Krusi, Ames, IA.
  • IA—Iowa City—Asya M. Bergal, West High School, Iowa City, IA. Most influential teacher: James Kirpes, Iowa City, IA.
  • KS—Leawood—Gavriel A. Schreiber, Blue Valley North High School, Overland Park, KS. Most influential teacher: Michele Buche, Kansas City, KS.
  • KS—Lenexa—Cassie Wang, Olathe Northwest High School, Olathe, KS. Most influential teacher: Angie Hedges, Olathe, KS.
  • KS—Overland Park—Zijing Song, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Overland Park, KS. Most influential teacher: Sherry Unruh, Overland Park, KS.
  • KY—Lexington—Leia N. Wedlund, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Lexington, KY. Most influential teacher: Heidi Anderson, Lexington, KY.
  • KY—Nicholasville—Kareem H. Omar, West Jessamine High School, Nicholasville, KY. Most influential teacher: Wayne Stevens, Nicholasville, KY.
  • LA—Metairie—Aidaana U. Amanbekova, Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA. Most influential teacher: Stephanie Cramer, New Orleans, LA.
  • LA—New Orleans—William J. McGrew, Benjamin Franklin Senior High School, New Orleans, LA. Most influential teacher: Beatrice Flair, New Orleans, LA.
  • ME—Windham—Taylor R. Church, Catherine McAuley High School, Portland, ME. Most influential teacher: Ruth Conlogue, Portland, ME.
  • ME—Windham—Jameson R. McBride, Windham High School, Windham, ME. Most influential teacher: Richard Nickerson, Windham, ME.
  • MD—Bethesda—Bayard R. Miller, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Bethesda, MD. Most influential teacher: Timothy Gilmore, Arlington, VA.
  • MD—Potomac—Marni L. Morse, Richard Montgomery High School, Rockville, MD. Most influential teacher: Nancy Shay, Rockville, MD.
  • MA—Boxborough—Nivedha Ram, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, Acton, MA. Most influential teacher: Brian Dempsey, Acton, MA.
  • MA—Shrewsbury—Anish Athalye, Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science, Worcester, MA. Most influential teacher: Gilles Legault, Worcester, MA.
  • MA—Weston—Colin P. Lualdi, Learning Center for Deaf Children, Framingham, MA. Most influential teacher: Dynnelle Fields, Framingham, MA.
  • MI—Ann Arbor—Valerie Peng, Ann Arbor-Huron High School, Ann Arbor, MI. Most influential teacher: Sarah Roldan, Ann Arbor, MI.
  • MI—Ann Arbor—Daniel H. Rothchild, Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor, MI. Most influential teacher: James Vess, Ann Arbor, MI.
  • MI—Mancelona—Nicole M. Tubacki, Traverse City Central High School, Traverse City, MI. Most influential teacher: Thomas Czarny, Traverse City, MI.
  • MN—Rochester—Alexander B. Cheng, John Marshall High School, Rochester, MN. Most influential teacher: Jennifer Ancell, Morgantown, WV.
  • MN—Rochester—Jennifer E. Kim, Century High School, Rochester, MN. Most influential teacher: Phillip Olson, Rochester, MN.
  • MS—Oxford—Dora Chen, Oxford High School, Oxford, MS. Most influential teacher: James Reidy, Oxford, MS.
  • MS—Ridgeland—Vineet Aggarwal, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Ridgeland, MS. Most influential teacher: Sandra Hindsman, Jackson, MS.
  • MO—Nixa—Corey M. Matzat, Branson High School, Branson, MO. Most influential teacher: Lea Trimble, Hollister, MO.
  • MO—St. Louis—Tiffany Lee, Lindbergh High School, St Louis, MO. Most influential teacher: Sarah Rausch, St Louis, MO.
  • MT—Lewistown—Jarrett M. Guyer, Fergus High School, Lewistown, MT. Most influential teacher: Justin Guyer, Lewistown, MT.
  • MT—Missoula—Mary K. Brooks, Frenchtown High School, Frenchtown, MT. Most influential teacher: Merle Johnston, Missoula, MT.
  • NE—Omaha—Benjamin K. Ashby, Westside High School, Omaha, NE. Most influential teacher: Roger Groth, Omaha, NE.
  • NE—Papillion—Megan N. Yank, Papillion-LaVista High School South, Papillion, NE. Most influential teacher: Troy Ackerman, Plattsmouth, NE.
  • NV—Henderson—Caolinn Y. Mejza, Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing & Visual Arts, Las Vegas, NV. Most influential teacher: Shae Dokken, Las Vegas, NV.
  • NV—Las Vegas—Sharon T. Fang, Clark High School, Las Vegas, NV. Most influential teacher: Jie Bu, Las Vegas, NV.
  • NV—Las Vegas—Justin M. Joseph, Valley High School, Las Vegas, NV. Most influential teacher: Casey Brown, Las Vegas, NV.
  • NH—Exeter—Albert Chu, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH. Most influential teacher: Todd Hearon, Exeter, NH.
  • NH—Hanover—Katherine Y. Chen, Hanover High School, Hanover, NH. Most influential teacher: Greta Mills, Enfield, NH.
  • NJ—Demarest—Rachel I. Ha, Horace Mann School, Riverdale, NY. Most influential teacher: Harry Bauld, Riverdale, NY.
  • NJ—Morristown—Thomas R. Hartke, Delbarton School, Morristown, NJ. Most influential teacher: Gregory Devine, Morristown, NJ.
  • * NJ—Morristown—Catherine Wong, Morristown High School, Morristown, NJ. Most influential teacher: Anthony Danese, Morristown, NJ.
  • NM—Albuquerque—Robert S. Chen, Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, NM. Most influential teacher: George Ovitt, Albuquerque, NM.
  • NM—Albuquerque—Lauren Li, La Cueva High School, Albuquerque, NM. Most influential teacher: Frances Gruette, Albuquerque, NM.
  • NY—Albany—June E. Criscione, Albany High School, Albany, NY. Most influential teacher: Margot Plumadore, Albany, NY.
  • NY—Bron—xMelissa R. DeLuca, Herbert H Lehman High School, Bronx, NY. Most influential teacher: Steve Hiller, Bronx, NY.
  • NY—Chappaqua—Daniel I. Hoffman, Hackley School, Tarrytown, NY. Most influential teacher: Danny Lawrence, Tarrytown, NY.
  • * NY—Pittsford—Aaron G. Bigeleisen, McQuaid Jesuit High School, Rochester, NY. Most influential teacher: Robert Swensen, Penfield, NY.
  • NY—Roslyn—Alain E. Sherman, Roslyn High School, Roslyn Heights, NY. Most influential teacher: Allyson Weseley, Sea Cliff, NY.
  • NC—Chapel Hill—Jacob A. Reed, East Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, NC. Most influential teacher: Bradley Miller, Chapel Hill, NC.
  • NC—Wilmington—Megan M. Chang, Isaac Bear Early College High School, Wilmington, NC. Most influential teacher: Suzanne Micallef, Wilmington, NC.
  • ND—Fargo—Maneesh D. Apte, Davies High School, Fargo, ND. Most influential teacher: Steven Kennedy, Fargo, ND.
  • ND—Fargo—Anjali K. Lall, Davies High School, Fargo, ND. Most influential teacher: Kathy Fisher, Fargo, ND.
  • OH—Athens—Kevin Hwang, Athens High School, The Plains, OH. Most influential teacher: Suzanne Powell, The Plains, OH.
  • OH—Chagrin Falls—Alyssa M. Bryan, Hathaway Brown School, Shaker Heights, OH. Most influential teacher: William Adler, Shaker Heights, OH.
  • OH—Dublin—Drake S. Thomas, Dublin Coffman High School, Dublin, OH. Most influential teacher: Daren Ekis, Dublin, OH.
  • * OH—Sylvania—Sean M. Howe, Toledo School for the Arts, Toledo, OH. Most influential teacher: Alison Reny, Toledo, OH.
  • OK—Tulsa—Sarah A. Keglovits, Holland Hall School, Tulsa, OK. Most influential teacher: Neil Bergenroth, Tulsa, OK.
  • OK—Tulsa—Stephen R. Slater, Booker T. Washington High School, Tulsa, OK. Most influential teacher: Lindsey Manduano, Tulsa, OK.
  • OR—Portland—Sophia F. Kecskes, Cleveland High School, Portland, OR. Most influential teacher: Keska Kemper, Portland, OR.
  • OR—Portland—Raghav Tripathi, Westview High School, Portland, OR. Most influential teacher: Bradley Helsel, Portland, OR.
  • PA—Bala Cynwyd—Sarah C. Jacobson, Friends Central School, Wynnewood, PA. Most influential teacher: Carl Bradley, Philadelphia, PA.
  • PA—Wexford—Richard T. McCoy, North Allegheny Senior High, Wexford, PA. Most influential teacher: Dan Williams, Wexford, PA.
  • PR—Guaynabo—Irene Garcia, Baldwin School of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, PR. Most influential teacher: Cristina Castillo, Guaynabo, PR.
  • PR—Guaynabo—Gabriel A. Peirats, Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola, Rio Piedras, PR. Most influential teacher: Maria Roca, San Juan, PR.
  • RI—Providence—Max A. Saccone, Wheeler School, Providence, RI. Most influential teacher: Christopher Perkins, Seekonk, MA.
  • RI—West Kingston—Jessica P. Magro, Moses Brown School, Providence, RI. Most influential teacher: Karen Lustig, Providence, RI.
  • SC—Columbia—Courtney S. Noh, Spring Valley High School, Columbia, SC. Most influential teacher: Matthew Owens, Columbia, SC.
  • * SC—Greer—Sarah K. Adams, Eastside High School, Taylors, SC. Most influential teacher: Karen Parks, New York, NY.
  • SC—Lexington—Carsten A. Bryant, Lexington High School, Lexington, SC. Most influential teacher: Steven Eisele, Lexington, SC.
  • * SC—Lugoff—Laura C. Rashley, South Carolina Governor's School for Arts & Humanities, Greenville, SC. Most influential teacher: Mamie Morgan, Greenville, SC.
  • SD—Madison—Amy Shan, Madison High School, Madison, SD. Most influential teacher: William Thurow, Ramona, SD.
  • SD—Pierre—Tessa H. Myren, Theodore F. Riggs High School, Pierre, SD. Most influential teacher: Beata Ferris, Pierre, SD.
  • SD—Sioux Falls—Micah C. Shaffer, Washington High School, Sioux Falls, SD. Most influential teacher: Jeffrey Berndt, Sioux Falls, SD.
  • TN—Collierville—Apoorva Dixit, White Station High School, Memphis, TN. Most influential teacher: Eugene Bernstein, Memphis, TN.
  • TN—Franklin—Katelyn E. McEvoy, Ensworth High School, Nashville, TN. Most influential teacher: David Lovell, Ashland City, TN.
  • TN—Memphis—Daniel T. Zuo, White Station High School, Memphis, TN. Most influential teacher: Rebecca Newman, Memphis, TN.
  • * T—xAmarillo—Annyston H. Pennington, Amarillo High School, Amarillo, TX. Most influential teacher: Janita Hopkins, Amarillo, TX.
  • T—xAustin—Keyur M. Mehta, Westlake High School, Austin, TX. Most influential teacher: Melissa Dupre, Austin, TX.
  • T—xPlano—Kimberley Yu, Plano West Senior High School, Plano, TX. Most influential teacher: Deanna Shea, Plano, TX.
  • T—xShavano Park—Anthony N. Kayruz, Saint Mary's Hall, San Antonio, TX. Most influential teacher: Paul Gage, San Antonio, TX.
  • UT—American Fork—Hailey L. James, American Fork High School, American Fork, UT. Most influential teacher: Melody Apezteguia, American Fork, UT.
  • UT—Logan—Jean-Luc C. Watson, Logan High School, Logan, UT. Most influential teacher: DeAnna Stallings, Logan, UT.
  • VT—Essex Junction—Timothy F. Rizvanov, Essex High School, Essex Junction, VT. Most influential teacher: Adam Weiss, Essex Junction, VT.
  • VT—Montpelier—Julia H. Gilbert, Montpelier High School, Montpelier, VT. Most influential teacher: Lyman Castle, Montpelier, VT.
  • VA—Arlington—Douglas T. Maggs, St Stephens & St Agnes School, Alexandria, VA. Most influential teacher: Vonnique Van Way, Alexandria, VA.
  • VA—Fairfa—xLauren A. Huang, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology, Alexandria, VA. Most influential teacher: Barbara Wood, Alexandria, VA.
  • * VA—Virginia Beach—Annika B. Jenkins, Laurel Springs School, Ojai, CA. Most influential teacher: Shirley Givens, New York, NY.
  • * WA—Bellevue—Benjamin V. Kadie, Interlake High School, Bellevue, WA. Most influential teacher: Alison Pendlebury, Redmond, WA.
  • WA—Cheney—Sophia G. Schwalbe, Cheney High School, Cheney, WA. Most influential teacher: Jeff Butler, Cheney, WA.
  • WA—Renton—Jonathan D. Fortescue, Oliver M. Hazen High School, Renton, WA. Most influential teacher: Paul Muckerheide, Renton, WA.
  • WV—Morgantown—Brett G. Atkinson, University High School, Morgantown, WV. Most influential teacher: Michael Roh, Morgantown, WV.
  • WV—Morgantown—Michelle Ma, Morgantown High School, Morgantown, WV. Most influential teacher: Bill Gibson, Morgantown, WV.
  • WI—Fitchburg—Amy H. Hua, West High School, Madison, WI. Most influential teacher: Andrew Kuemmel, Madison, WI.
  • WI—Hudson—Katelyn M. Baier, Hudson Senior High School, Hudson, WI. Most influential teacher: Rick DuBois, Hudson, WI.
  • * WI—Milwaukee—Redat Davison, Pius XI High School, Milwaukee, WI. Most influential teacher: Catherine Burnett, Colgate, WI.
  • WI—Wausau—Brady G. Becker, Wausau East High School, Wausau, WI. Most influential teacher: Jody Krieg-Hansen, Wausau, WI.
  • WY—Powell—Timothy Poppert, Powell High School, Powell, WY. Most influential teacher: Robert Hunt, Powell, WY.
  • WY—Teton Village—Melissa I. Slaughter, Journeys School of Teton Science School, Jackson, WY. Most influential teacher: Nate McClennen, Jackson, WY.
  • Americans Abroad—Sofia C. Geck, International School Of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya. Most influential teacher: Rebecca Nichols, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Americans Abroad—Bryce C. Kaw-uh, Incirlik High School, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Most influential teacher: BethAnn Matar, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.

* Indicates Presidential Scholar in the Arts.


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