6 San Ramon Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates

SAN RAMON, CA — Six students from San Ramon, four of whom attend SRVUSD schools, were named as candidates to become U.S. Presidential Scholars. A total of six SRVUSD students are candidates.

5,000 students out of roughly 3.6 million students were named as candidates for the prestigious award, which honors graduating high school seniors with superior achievements in academics, leadership, and community involvement.

Below are San Ramon students nominated:

• Vivian Y. Chang, The College Preparatory School
• Navya Kancharla, Dougherty Valley High School
• Alexander J. Moyer, California High School
• Harshitha Palacharla, California High School
• Timothy schoonever, Quarry Lane School
• Srushti Talluri, Dougherty Valley High School

Sabrina Brandeis and Vishaan Joshi of Monte Vista High School are also nominated.

“The six students who were announced as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program have made our entire community extremely proud,” said SRVUSD Superintendent Dr. John Malloy. “These students exemplify our commitment to excellence.”

Around the Tri-Valley, seven Pleasanton students and two Dublin students are also candidates.

A panel of distinguished educators will review submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens selected by the president, will select up to 161 finalists, whose names will be announced in May.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize the nation’s most promising students. Most students are selected based on broad academic achievement, though each year, about 20 students are selected based on outstanding academic and artistic achievement, and another 20 or so are selected based on outstanding career and technical education achievement.

Candidacy is invitation-only. Students who score exceptionally well on either the SAT or ACT exam are identified as candidates. Eligible candidates are also identified by their state’s Chief State School Officer and several other recognition organizations such as YoungArts and The National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.

Winners do not receive a monetary scholarship, like the National Merit Scholarship. Instead, they are invited to an all-expenses paid trip to the White House, where they are presented with a Presidential Scholars Medallion at a special ceremony.

For more information, contact presidential.scholars@ed.gov or visit ed.gov/psp.