GBS Senior Wins U.S. Presidential Scholar Honor

GLENVIEW, IL — In the fall, Glenbrook South High School senior Elizabeth Welch-Jani is heading off to Yale University on her pursuit to become an astrophysicist. Before that, though, the Northbrook resident is continuing to finish out her local scholastic career on a high note. Recently, she was named one of 161 winners in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

She was selected from nearly 5,600 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2020.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 56th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors, according to a press release. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year's senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholar Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.

Welch-Jani also nominated Jeffrey Rylander, a physics teacher and instructional supervisor for the Science Department at Glenbrook South High School, as a 2020 Distinguished Teacher. Rylander won this honor.