Woodbury Senior Recognized As United States Presidential Scholar

WOODBURY, MN— A senior from Woodbury High School was selected to be a United States Presidential Scholar, South Washington County Schools said.

Esperanza Lee has also received other honors including being named as a President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award recipient, U.S. Department of State Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow, World Food Prize Foundation Borlaug Scholar, Minnesota Governor’s Commendation for leadership and Bank of America Student Leader, the district said.

The United States Presidential Scholars Program began in 1964 and recognizes the nation's most distinguished seniors, the district said.

“Esperanza stood out due to her commitment to excellence in all areas of her life. She is focused on improving the world around her and uses every ounce of her spare time to help others,” Ethan Young, Lee’s counselor, said. “She founded Stick With Hope in 2017 to advocate for mental health and wellness. Even when COVID disrupted her volunteering plans she found ways to serve our community and give back.”

Lee will be recognized nationally this summer before attending Harvard in the fall, the district said.