Presidential Scholar Awards Given To Fairfax County Students

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Two students from Fairfax County's Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology won U.S. Presidential Scholar awards from the Department of Education Friday. Violet Felt of Vienna and Prathik Naidu of Potomac Falls were two of the 161 students chosen from more than 5,100 across the country.

All three of Virginia's winners come from Northern Virginia schools. The other local winner is Logan Apple of Winchester's Millbrook High School.

The two students are recognized as TJHSST again claimed the sixth in the nation and first in the state in U.S. News and World Report's Best High Schools rankings.

One boy and girl is chosen from each state, and additional winners are chosen in the at-large, career and technical education, and the arts categories. The selected students come from every state in the country, Washington, D.C and Puerto Rico.

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."

Each scholar will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion at a ceremony on June 18.

"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 in a statement. “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.”

See the full list of Presidential Scholars.

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