West Hartford Has Five Finalists For Major HS Student Honor

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Five West Hartford students have recently been named candidates for one of the federal government's most prestigious academic designations for high school seniors.

All five are currently students at West Hartford's Hall High School, with notifications of 2023 winners to be named later in the school year.

The U.S. Department of Education's U.S. 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, according to the USDE.

In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts, federal official said.

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 as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.

West Hartford candidates for the designation are:

• Avery K. Allen, West Hartford - Hall High School

• Katelyn Emerson, West Hartford - Hall High School

• Andrew D. Greden, West Hartford - Hall High School

• Ethan C. Striff-Cave, West Hartford - Hall High School

• Jennifer Zhao, West Hartford - Hall High School

For more information on the USDE's Presidential Scholar program, click on this link