4 West Hartford Students Nominated As Presidential Scholars

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Students from West Hartford are among more than 5,000 candidates nationwide in the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Connor G. Farquhar, of West Hartford and University High School of Science and Engineering, Maya P. Palanki of West Hartford and Conard High School, Eashwar Krishna of West Hartford and Hall High School and Yuyang Zheng of West Hartford and Northwest Catholic High School were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year.

The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

Each year, up to 161 students are named U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest
honors for high school students. The Scholars represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. In honoring the U.S. Presidential Scholars, the President of the United States symbolically honors all graduating high school seniors of high potential.

Students have the opportunity to become U.S. Presidential Scholars based on three paths of accomplishment. The majority of the Scholars are selected on the basis of broad academic achievement. Approximately 20 students are selected on the basis of their academic and artistic scholarship in the visual arts, the performing arts, or creative writing.

And, approximately 20 additional students are selected on the basis of their ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.