PRESS RELEASE

Nikiski Middle-High student named 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar

Soldotna, May 10, 2013—Annaleah Ernst, of Kenai, Alaska, is one of 141 students nationwide to be recognized for her accomplishments in academics or the arts.
All of us at KPBSD are thrilled to learn that Annaleah is being recognized in this way,” said Dr. Atwater, KPBSD superintendent. “Annaleah is an extraordinary student and a wonderful person; I wish her the very best with studies at Harvard.”
“Ernst is one of 141 outstanding American high school seniors that have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a May 6, 2013, press release. “The U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C., from June 15-18, 2013.”
“Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence,” Duncan said. “I’m honored to celebrate their creativity, hard work, and community service, and I encourage them–and all students–to continue to showcase the capacity for greatness in our nation’s young people.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects honored scholars annually 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.
Of the three million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 3,800 candidates qualified for the 2013 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers or the National YoungArts Foundation.
Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education. The teacher chosen for recognition by Ernst was Laura Niemczyk of Nikiski Middle-
High School in Nikiski, Alaska.
Link: U.S. Presidential Scholars

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