Derryfield Grad a Presidential Scholar

Kaitlin Fink can be categorised through many terms - smart, athletic, energetic, motivated and talented among those descriptive words.

She can now add Presidential Scholar to that list.

Fink, a Bedford resident who graduated Derryfield School as valedictorian in June, was recently honored by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as one of 141 American high school seniors distinguished as a 2011 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

According to the Derryfield School, she earned the award by demonstrating "outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community."

“The U.S. Presidential Scholars exemplify what dedication to achievement and setting high standards can symbolize for all youth,” said Duncan. “The Department of Education congratulates these students on their artistic and academic accomplishments.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars appointed by the President selected the scholars 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.

Fink, daughter of Louis Fink and Pamela Grich of Bedford,  graduated with distinction from The Derryfield School and plans to attend Middlebury College.

In addition to being selected as a 2011 U.S. Presidential Scholar, Kaitlin was the Valedictorian of her class, a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar with Honors, and a 2011 National Merit Scholarship Winner. She also captained of the varsity Nordic ski team and was recognized as the Granite State Conference Skier of the Year, in addition to qualifying for the N.H. Eastern High School Team multiple times.

She also competed with the varsity soccer, cross-country running, and lacrosse teams and earned Scholar-Athlete honors from Derryfield and the NHADA.

Kaitlin was a leader for the Conservation Club, was selected all four years to sing in the NH All-State Classical Music Festival, received School awards in music, French, and service and was selected to be the 2010 Peter S. Freedman Founders' Scholar, Derryfield's highest honor for a student.