North Penn Student Named 1 Of 3 Presidential Scholars In PA

LANSDALE, PA — A North penn student is one of three Pennsylvania students to be named 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education.

The three Pennsylvania students were among 161 high school seniors from across the nation to receive recognition for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

Pennsylvania's award winners are:

• Catherine A. Cavanaugh, North Penn High School
• Richard Su Fang, Council Rock High School North
• Raymond A. Slifer, Quakertown Senior High School (U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education).

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually 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.
Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 6,000 candidates qualified for the 2021 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations, and the National YoungArts Foundation's nationwide YoungArts program.

"The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams."

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

With reporting from Patch correspondent Peter Blanchard