Latest news with #PresidentialScholars
Chicago Tribune
09-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville News Digest: Trailblazer challenge offers prizes for nature-themed missions; Naperville residents named Presidential Scholar candidates
Trailblazer challenge offers prizes for nature-themed missions The Forest Preserve District of Will County is challenging residents to take part in the Be a Trailblazer spring session, which will give away more than $10,000 worth of prizes. Starting this week and continuing through Saturday, May 24, the competition begins by downloading the free Goosechase app and entering the code PQNL75, a news release said. Points are awarded for completing nature-themed missions, and a leaderboard will show who is in the top spots. However, prizes will not be based on points, the release said. Each mission completed will count as an entry in weekly giveaways for themed T-shirts. Prizes also will be connected to specific missions, earning everyone who successfully completes that mission entry into a random drawing. Sponsored by the Nature Foundation of Will County, prizes include kayaks, sleds, Fitbits, Yeti coolers, tent and sleeping bag packs, fishing equipment, hiking poles, picnic packs and more, the district said. There is no limit on the number of prizes that can be won. Naperville residents named Presidential Scholar candidates Numerous Naperville students from several high schools have been named candidates for the 2025 Presidential Scholars program, which honors distinguished graduating high school seniors. The U.S. Presidential Scholars program, established in 1964 to recognize the nation's top seniors, selects about 4,000 general program candidates mostly based on test scores, a news release said. About 650 students will go on to be named semifinalists and, from there, about 160 students will be selected as Presidential Scholars. The Naperville candidates are: Waubonsie Valley High School (Naperville residents): Mannsha Assudani, Sajiv Harikrishnan, Anjali S. Madheswaran, Sanvi Maganti, Rida Majeed, Shruthi Muthiah, Vikram J. Narasimhan, Wing Y. Ng, Prakrti Senthil and Akshath Sivachidhambara. Neuqua Valley High School: Neel Chawla, Aditya Rakshit, Andrew Z. Wan, Andy W. Yu and Alexander Zhao. Naperville North High School: Chloe S. Chen, Jai Gupta, Aanika M. Parekh, Anderson Peng, Sophia R. Xi and Cathy Yang. Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Naperville residents): Shrikar Dulam and Kumara Venkata Sadkr Malladi. Isaac Chang, of Naperville, also made the list. Applications due Tuesday for KidsMatter SpringBoard Summer Series Teens 16 and older who want to participate in KidsMatter's SpringBoard Summer Series must apply by Tuesday, April 15. The free program allows high school students to explore various professions, completing classwork and having field experiences in a variety of career sectors, a news release said. Now in its third year, the series has expanded to include a new Physical and Life Sciences program at Fermilab in Batavia. Other programs include Survey of Healthcare Careers, Pharmacy Technician Prep Course and Construction Management and Trades, the release said. All costs are covered, including books and fees. Students should indicate on their applications if transportation assistance is needed. Sessions will be held in early June and early August. Instruction is led by experts, and some programs provide college credit through the College of DuPage or the opportunity to complete the Teen Mental Health First Aid certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. For more information, go to Naperville Woman's Club donates $26,000 to charities The Naperville Woman's Club has distributed $26,124 to charity from the money raised through Glam Witches Night Out, the Clay Space Empty Bowls project, member donations and a partnership with the Downtown Naperville Alliance and local businesses. Some of the recipients included Loaves & Fishes; Metropolitan Family Services; Families Helping Families; KidsMatter; Humanitarian Service Project; Ready, Set Ride; Naperville Riverwalk Foundation; Almost Home Kids; and the Alzheimer's Association.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Vermont Agency of Education announces 2025 Presidential Scholars: Who was chosen?
MONTPELIER — The Vermont Agency of Education has announced the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Scholars awards, according to a community announcement. The awards recognize students in three categories: general, arts and career technical education. Students are nominated by teachers and administrators, and they can also nominate themselves. "The 2025 class of Presidential Scholars embodies what makes Vermont's education system special," Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders said in the announcement. "These students are leaders in their schools, role models for their peers, and important members of their communities. I'm thrilled to congratulate these exceptional students and their families on this exciting achievement.' The Presidential Scholars in the Arts are Cora Chivington from Green Mountain Technology and Career Center, Hailey Messier from Essex High School and Sage Wyndorf from Burlington Technical Center. Honorable mentions in the arts category include Gareth Fox from Poultney High School, Danika Orava from Long Trail School, Silas Quinn from Middlebury Union High School, Lily Root from Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center and Emma Southworth from Burr and Burton Academy. The Presidential Scholars in Career Technical Education are Isabella Benson from Burlington Technical Center's Health Sciences Academy, Brayden Carton from Green Mountain Technology and Career Center's Engineering program, Maggi Ellsworth from River Bend Career and Technical Center's Health Science Technology program, Brianne Gallas from Burlington Technical Center's Health Sciences Academy and Julia Morton from Center for Technology, Essex's Dental Assisting 2 program. Honorable mentions in the career technical education category are Camryn Benoit and Emma St. Pierre, both from Cold Hollow Career Center's Medical Careers program. The Presidential Scholars in General Education are Richie Amerson from Burlington High School, Esabella Amoah from South Burlington High School, Mikayla Chagnon from Richford High School, Vincy Chan from Burr and Burton Academy, Elizabeth Cunningham from Rice Memorial High School, Katherine Duling from Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, Grey Fearon from Vergennes Union High School, Ella Ferrone from Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, Nick Heinrich from Burke Mountain Academy, Anna Howard from Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, Jonah Hutchin from Home Study, Jackson Kitts from Burr and Burton Academy, Amelia Partlow from Missisquoi Valley Union High School, Finn Reuter from Home Study, Julia Todd from South Burlington High School and Jing Williams from Vergennes Union High School. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by an executive order from President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was expanded to include students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, it was further expanded to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Vermont scholars in the general and career technical education categories will be invited to apply to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which will announce its winners in the spring. Additional Vermont students are invited to apply by the U.S. Department of Education based on their SAT and/or ACT scores. Each year, up to 161 students are named as national Presidential Scholars, one of the highest national honors for high school students. The Vermont Agency of Education implements state and federal laws, policies and regulations to ensure all Vermont learners have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities. The agency accomplishes this mission through leadership, support and oversight of Vermont's public education system. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ 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 Burlington Free Press: Vermont Agency of Education recognizes 2025 Presidential Scholars
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Inspiration': Why Southeastern senior was nominated to be U.S. Presidential Scholar
EASTON — Ariyana Chrispin Perkins, a senior at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton, has been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, according to a community announcement. 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@ 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
