Two CT High School Seniors Earn Top Scholar Honors

HARTFORD — Two high school students from Connecticut were honored by state officials this week for achieving one of the highest national academic honors for soon-to-be graduates.

Aditya Kabra, of East Lyme High School in East Lyme, and Maya Prafulla Shah Palanki, of Conard High School in West Hartford, were named Thursday as 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars.

They were cited for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields. The award is one of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors.

After the announcement, Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker congratulated the duo.

The U.S. Department of Education selected the program’s 58th class of 161 high school seniors from a national pool of student semifinalists.
They were nominated for their high academic performance and distinguished themselves by overcoming hardships, achieving a unique accomplishment or demonstrating outstanding leadership.

“Connecticut is home to some of the best schools in the nation and that is due in large part to the incredible teachers and faculty we have in our state who dedicate themselves to providing our students with the highest-quality education possible,” Lamont said. “I offer my sincere congratulations to Aditya and Maya on this extraordinary national recognition. They represent some of the very best of Connecticut, and I applaud their perseverance and drive.”

“We are so proud of all of Connecticut’s students for their persistence throughout the past two years,” added Russell-Tucker. “For Maya and Aditya, this is an exceptional honor that highlights their tremendous achievements. I am honored to offer the department’s congratulations and wishes for continued success.”

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," according to the announcement.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2022 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

A complete list of 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at www.ed.gov/psp.