Essex Tech Senior Nominated As U.S. Presidential Scholar

DANVERS, MA — Amani Benouardia, who immigrated to the United States from Morocco and is excelling in Essex North Shore Tech's environmental sciences program, has been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes up to 161 of the country's most exceptional students each year. The program was expanded to include and celebrate the accomplishments of
students studying career and technical education in 2015.

"Coming to Essex Tech, I was worried that my accomplishments would be low and that my achievements hard to come by," Benouardia said. "In a school full of dedicated and motivated students, these thoughts continued to linger. Despite my initial pessimistic outlook, I had the opportunity to meet fantastic members of such a strong community who fully supported me in my various challenging endeavors, friends who spent hours after school participating in
extracurricular activities with me, and, most importantly, a family that always pushed me to do more.

"To be considered for such an award is truly an honor, and I am forever in debt to the people that have helped me along the way."

The senior from Haverhill has also been selected to be part of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, which works with the federal delegation and its staff to serve their community.

"Amani is a tremendous asset to the Essex Tech community," Essex Tech Principal Shannon Donnelly said. "Most importantly, Amani takes care of those around her. Whether she is looking out for a younger student, a friend or even a teacher, she will advocate for others and work to make any situation better for them.

"She is wise beyond her years, and I am excited to see what the future holds for such an amazing young woman."

Benouardia is a student mentor, a founding member of the Essex Tech debate team, a member of the math team, a mentor for the Integration Learning Program, and a member of Essex Tech's student-led diversity group, U-ACT.

She also volunteers for numerous organizations outside of school.

"Amani is a remarkable individual who excels in everything she does while being a kind and caring person," Superintendent Heidi Riccio said. "She has a competitive spirit, and she has achieved great success throughout her time in high school."

Nominees are selected from each state based on their academic rigor, technical competence, employability skills, and ingenuity, and creativity.