Greenwich Student Named 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar

GREENWICH, CT—Colin B. Speaker, a senior at Greenwich High School, was recently named as a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar for his accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. The recognition is one of the nation's highest honors for graduating high school seniors.

Rachel S. Brooks, a student at Christian Heritage School in Trumbull, was also named as a recipient in Connecticut.

Speaker, in a news release, thanked everyone in the Greenwich Public Schools District.

"From Parkway to Western to Greenwich High, the Greenwich Public School system has provided me with an exceptional education, both in and out of the classroom. Teachers, administrators, coaches, friends, and family alike have inspired me to take advantage of incredible opportunities at every step along the way, and I share this special recognition with them," Speaker said. "I look forward to continuing my studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where I will pursue a dual-degree from the Wharton School of Business and the School of Engineering through the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology.

Gov. Ned Lamont said Connecticut is proud to be home to among some of the best performing schools in the nation.

"I offer my congratulations to Rachel and Colin on this extraordinary national recognition," he said in a news release. "They represent some of the very best of our state, and I look forward to witnessing their future career accomplishments and academic achievements."

Acting Education Commissioner Russell-Tucker also congratulated the students.

"Congratulations to Rachel and Colin on this national recognition of not just their academic success but also of the leadership and perseverance they have demonstrated in and out of the school building," he said. "We are proud of them and look forward to their continued success in college, career, and life."

GHS Principal Ralph Mayo congratulated Speaker in a news release on Friday.

"We are so proud of Colin for this incredible honor and recognition. He is a bright student, engaged member of our school community, and friend to many," Mayo said. "This prestigious recognition for Colin joins his already long list of accomplishments, including being an Honor Student, being named a National Merit Scholar, and Stockholm Junior Water Prize recipient for his science research, in addition to many other accolades. We look forward to seeing his continued success."

According to the news release, the U.S. Department of Education selected the program’s 57th class of 161 high school seniors from a national pool of student semifinalists, who were nominated for their high academic performance and distinguishing themselves by overcoming hardships, achieving a unique accomplishment, or demonstrating outstanding leadership.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education invites states to nominate students for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The Connecticut State Department of Education invites school districts to recommend students for the program.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2021 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer.