U.S. Presidential Scholars: 4 Mass. Students Win Prestigious Awards

WASHINGTON, DC — The Department of Education announced 161 students named U.S. Presidential Scholars Friday, a group the comes from every state in the country, Washington, D.C and Puerto Rico.

"I congratulate this year's class of Presidential Scholars for their devotion to academic excellence and their parents and teachers who have guided them along the way,” said Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “Today's Presidential Scholars are tomorrow's leaders, and I am confident they will continue to be shining examples as they enter the next phase of their academic careers.”

According to the White House Committee on Presidential Scholars, "The Scholars demonstrate exceptional accomplishments in academics, the arts, career and technical education and an outstanding commitment to public service." The awards are given out based on the review of their "academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals."

More than 5,100 students qualified to be considered for the award. Each scholar will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion at a ceremony on June 18.

Here's the full list of winners from Massachusetts:

Sivaram S. Emani, Newton - The Roxbury Latin School
**Alkenly S. Ortiz, Lawrence - Greater Lawrence Regional Vo-Tech HS
*Amir Siraj, Brookline - Brookline High School
Catherine L. Wang, Lexington - Lexington High School[*] One asterisk indicates a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts

[**] Two asterisks indicates a U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education

Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Story by Cody Fenwick, Patch staff