Presidential Scholar Award Given To Vienna Student

VIENNA, VA -- A girl from Vienna won a U.S. Presidential Scholar award from the Department of Education Friday. Violet Felt of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology was one of 161 students chosen from a group of more than 5,100 across the country.

All three Virginia winners come from Northern Virginia schools. The other local winner, Prathik Naidu of Potomac Falls, also hails from TJHSST, and Logan Apple of Winchester's Millbrook High School also won.

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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