Florida’s U.S. Presidential Scholars Named

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Five high school students from across the state of Florida were among the 161 named U.S. Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education on Friday. The group of honorees includes students from every state in the country, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

According to the White House Committee on Presidential Scholars, "The Scholars demonstrate exceptional accomplishments in academics, the arts, career and technical education and an outstanding commitment to public service." The awards are given out based on the review of their "academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals."

This year, more than 5,100 students across the country qualified to be considered for the award. Those named will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion during a June 18 ceremony.

"I congratulate this year's class of Presidential Scholars for their devotion to academic excellence and their parents and teachers who have guided them along the way,” said Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in announcing the winners. “Today's Presidential Scholars are tomorrow's leaders, and I am confident they will continue to be shining examples as they enter the next phase of their academic careers.”

Florida’s presidential scholars are:

• *Adriana De La Torre, Miami - New World School of the Arts
• *Korri Lampedusa, Miami - Design & Architecture Senior High School
• Varun Singh, Seffner - Middleton High School
• *Kathryn Stenberg, Boca Raton - Alexander W Dreyfoos School of the Arts
• Hiu Lam V. Yan, Bradenton - St. Stephen's Episcopal School

[*] One asterisk indicates a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts

Patch's Cody Fenwick contributed to this story.

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