141 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SELECTED FOR COVETED 1998 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AWARD

US Education Department Press Releases, Apr 24, 1998

Archived: 141 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SELECTED FOR COVETED 1998 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AWARD A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE News Media Contact: Melinda Kitchell Malico (202) 401-1576

Contact for Presidential Scholars: (202) 401-0961

April 24, 1998

141 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SELECTED FOR COVETED 1998 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS AWARDS

President Clinton and U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley today announced the selection of 141 high school seniors as 1998 Presidential Scholars.

The scholars, who are recognized for their achievements in academics or the arts, will visit Washington June 13-18, during which time they will be honored at a White House-sponsored ceremony in which each will receive a Presidential Scholar medallion.

"These 141 students have demonstrated a commitment to education and a dedication to excellence," Riley said. "Their accomplishments in scholarship, leadership, community service and the arts serve as a model for all. While there is no substitute for hard work and high academic standards, the creativity, energy and discipline these young people bring to their work make their accomplishments all the more exemplary."

A 32- member commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final selection of scholars from among 2.5 million graduating high school seniors. The commission is appointed by the president and is comprised of eminent private citizens.

The 1998 scholars were selected on the basis of broad academic achievement, including SAT or ACT scores, essays, transcripts, leadership, character and commitment to high ideals. Twenty scholars also are being recognized for their accomplishments in the visual or performing arts, or creative writing. Arts scholars are selected by the commission from students who participate in the Arts Recognition and Talent Search, conducted by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

The 141 Presidential Scholars include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and from U.S. families living abroad; 15 at large and 20 scholars in the arts.

Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has been asked to name the teacher who has had the greatest impact on his or her academic or artistic accomplishments. These educators also are invited to Washington to receive a certificate of excellence from the Education Department and to participate in the White House-sponsored ceremony.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A list of the scholars follows. Lists of the scholars' teachers are available upon request.

  1998 PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

 (* Denotes Presidential Scholar in the Arts)

AL--Emilie S. Kraft, of Cullman, a senior at Cullman High School in Cullman

AL--Michael G. Mahon, of Birmingham, a senior at Mountain Brook High School in Mountain Brook

AK--William D. Falsey, of Anchorage, a senior at A J Dimond High School in Anchorage

AK--Sarah E. Marriage, of Anchorage, a senior at East Anchorage High School in Anchorage

AE--Melissa A. Briggs, of APO, a senior at Heidelberg American High Schl. in APO, AE

GU--Neil C. Weare, of Santa Rita, a senior at Southern High School in Agat, GU

AZ--Lauren E. Johnston, of Tucson, a senior at Catalina Foothills High School in Tucson

AZ--Kurtland Ma, of Scottsdale, a senior at North Canyon High School in Phoenix

AR--David G. Norris, of Little Rock, a senior at Parkview Fine Arts & Sciences Magnet High School in Little Rock

AR--Danielle S. Smith, of Mena, a senior at Arkansas School of Math & Sciences in Hot Springs

CA--Caroline L. Campbell*, of Palo Alto, a senior at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights

CA--Terry E. Chang, of Saratoga, a senior at Saratoga High School in Saratoga

CA--Lily V. Chiu*, of Hemet, a senior at Milton Academy in Milton, MA

CA--David M. Farris, of Santa Ana, a senior at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, CA

CA--Nina S. Rastogi*, of San Jose, a senior at Lynbrook High School in San Jose

CA--Sonia A. Romero*, of Los Angeles, a senior at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts in Los Angeles

CO--Casey A. Smith, of Grand Junction, a senior at Grand Junction High School in Grand Junction

CO--Nancy M. Strippel, of Grand Junction, a senior at Grand Junction High School in Grand Junction

CT--Jeremy T. Cox*, of North Haven, a senior at Professional Children's School in New York

CT--Lauren P. Malan, of Stamford, a senior at Greenwich Academy in Greenwich

CT--Peter T. Nasuti, of Stamford, a senior at Regis High School in New York

DE--Traci R. Burch, of Claymont, a senior at Mount Pleasant High School in Wilmington

DE--Clifton B. Hunt, of Wilmington, a senior at The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ

DC--Susanna M. Flug, of Washington, a senior at National Cathedral School in Washington

DC--Dorothy A. Fortenberry, of Washington, a senior at Sidwell Friends School in Washington

DC--Alan S. Morse, of Washington, a senior at Saint Alban's School in Washington

FL--Daniel E. Breaker*, of Jacksonville, a senior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville

FL--Michel A. Di Capua, of Hollywood, a senior at Pine Crest School in Ft. Lauderdale