Washington-Liberty HS Student Among 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars

ARLINGTON, VA — Washington-Liberty High School student Maya Koenig was selected as a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Koenig is one of 161 U.S. high school seniors named 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars. An online recognition program is planned this summer to honor the Presidential Scholars.

"Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a statement Thursday. "Throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation's history and amid our recovery from the pandemic, our students have once again demonstrated their strength and that they have so much to contribute to our country. Thanks to them, I know America's future is bright."

Koenig was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts. As part of the Presidential Scholar program, each winner names their most influential teacher, who receive a personal letter from the U.S. Secretary of Education. Koenig recognized Jennifer Dean, a social studies teacher at Washington-Liberty High School.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars chose Presidential Scholars based on their academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contributions to school and community. Over 5,000 students qualified for the 2022 Presidential Scholar Awards based on their SAT or ACT scores, or nominations from school officials or partner organizations.

Presidential Scholars include one young man and young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad. In addition, the commission selected 15 at-large Presidential Scholars, 20 in the arts, and 20 in career and technical education.

The Presidential Scholar program dates back to 1964 and has honored around 7,900 students. The program had been expanded in 1979 to recognize students in the visual, literary and performing arts and 2015 to students in career and technical education.

Other Presidential Scholars from Virginia include Ayana Ashanti Askew of Norfolk, a Booker T. Washington High School student; Helen J. Dunn of Falls Church, a Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology student; Benjamin Choi of McLean, a student at The Potomac School; and Uma Pillai of Potomac Falls, a Potomac Falls High School student.