Sparta Student Named 2018 Presidential Scholar

SPARTA, NJ — A Sparta High School student has been named a 2018 Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today.

Alexandra Poret is one of 161 students nationwide honored by the Department of Education for their dedication to and accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields. Scholars are selected based on academic success, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, among other things.

"The entire staff and administrative team is extremely excited for Alex. She has been awarded with one of the most distinguished awards that can be given to a high school senior. Alex is one of only six students being honored in the state of New Jersey. We are all very proud of her," Sparta principal Janet Ferraro told Patch.

"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.”

Mr. Mark Meola, a robotics and engineering, has been honored as a Distinguished Teacher alongside Poret.

Poret will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion at a June 24 ceremony.

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