Gwinnett Student Named 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholar

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Paul Matesevac, a senior at Collins Hill High School, is one of only three Georgians to be named a 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos this week announced the 54th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.

"I want to congratulate this year’s class of Presidential Scholars on their achievement and also thank their parents, teachers and other academic advisors who have helped guide them along the way,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “These students have pushed themselves to be the best they can be, and I am certain that devotion will serve them well as they continue their individual learning journeys.”

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The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

"It's pretty exciting being selected for the Presidential Scholars Program," Matesevac said. "Before January, I had never heard of this program but after receiving the nomination I began to research it as well as former scholars and realized it was an elite group of highly respected individuals. I was humbled to be considered for this award. I honestly never expected to become a semifinalist, much less be selected, considering I was competing against a diverse group of intellectually gifted students. I am pleased to have the opportunity to represent both myself and my community at the national level. I am looking forward being able to visit Washington D.C. as it is one of my favorite cities to visit. I am especially looking forward to updating my Library of Congress card."

Paul's parents, Lisa and Mike Matesevac, said he displayed an aptitude for academics and was a voracious reader even as a young child.

"We cultivated this interest in learning by doing science and art projects at home," said Lisa. "In addition to academics, Paul enjoys participating in our family tradition of making a Christmas film each year which is shared with our family out of state. This began when Paul was a baby and was intended to connect with family at the holidays in a new and fun way. Now, 18 years later, Paul takes the helm by writing and directing the movies we share with family and friends."

"As parents, we couldn't be more proud of Paul and his accomplishments," Mike added. "However, we are most proud of the kind hearted, determined young man he has grown into. He is an excellent brother who helps with fundraisers for Prader-Willi Syndrome to raise money for research and cares for his brother after school. He is a patient teacher to the students he tutors in math and to whom he teaches Taekwondo. He is an intelligent and thoughtful son who we have every confidence is going to change this world for the better."

Paul plans to attend Georgia Tech in the Fall 2018, where he will major in Biomedical Engineering. He hopes to hone his interest in development of pharmaceuticals for rare diseases and development of medical devices. This interest first developed from his experience as an older brother to a child with a rare syndrome, called Prader-Willi Syndrome for which there is currently no treatment.

Over the course of his high school career, Paul has been fortunate to have many diverse academic experiences. In 2016, he was selected to participate in the Governor's Honors Program. He is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club and Key Club. Additionally, he is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.

Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,200 candidates qualified for the 2018 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations or the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™ competition.

The 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored almost 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in Washington. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The 2018 ceremony will be held June 24, when each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion.

A complete list of 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars is also available here.

Photo courtesy Lisa and Mike Matesevac