'Inspiration': Why Southeastern senior was nominated to be U.S. Presidential Scholar
Perkins, 18, was recommended by Southeastern School Counselor Melanie Altrich due to her academic achievements, leadership and perseverance. She maintains a 4.59 GPA while taking college-level courses through Southeastern's Early College High School program, alongside her vocational courses.
Upon graduating in June, Perkins will receive both a high school diploma and an associate's degree from Massasoit Community College. She plans to attend UMass Amherst's biochemistry program in the fall.
Perkins has taken on leadership roles at Southeastern, serving as a school ambassador for incoming freshmen and participating in several extracurricular activities, including the Newspaper Club, Southeastern Hawks Dinner Club and the Media Axis Club at Massasoit. She was also selected as Southeastern's representative for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference.
"What truly sets Ariyana apart, however, is her ability to overcome any perceived obstacles while maintaining her unwavering focus on her goals," Altrich wrote in her nomination letter.
Perkins aims to pursue a career in medicine, with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist.
She has gained hands-on experience in her field through Southeastern's Early Childhood Education vocational program, working at Brockton Day Nursery and completing an externship at Manthala George Jr. Elementary School in Brockton.
"Ariyana's desire to become a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist has deepened through hands-on experience working with children in her vocational program," Altrich said. "These experiences not only strengthened her desire to work with children but also allowed her to apply the skills she has developed in her vocational program."
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, is one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. It recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding academic success, leadership and service. Each year, around 3,000 students nationwide receive nominations, which are narrowed down to 650 semifinalists, and up to 161 students are finally named as Presidential Scholars.
The U.S. Department of Education will announce the 2025 finalists in April, following a review by the federal Commission on Presidential Scholars. Honorees will then be invited to an awards ceremony in Washington in June, where they will receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion.
'Ariyana's nomination for the Presidential Scholars Program is a testament to her determination, intellect, hard work and commitment to excellence,' Acting Principal Christina Guarini said. 'We are incredibly proud of her.'
Superintendent Holly McClanan also praised Perkins, calling her an exceptional young woman who embodies the spirit of Southeastern Regional.
'Her determination and drive serve as an inspiration to her peers, and we have no doubt she will go on to achieve great success,' McClanan said.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Why Southeastern senior was nominated to be U.S. Presidential Scholar
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