More Resources 2004 Presidential Scholars Photos Website—Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today announced the selection of 141 outstanding high school seniors as the 2004 Presidential Scholars. This is the 40th year that this prestigious award has been issued to some of the nation's top students. Nearly 5,000 Presidential Scholars have been honored since the program began.

The scholars will be recognized for their achievements in academics or in the arts, as well as for their leadership and civic values, during the program's National Recognition Week, held June 19-22 in Washington, D.C. The week culminates in the presentation to the students of the Presidential Scholars Medallion in a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

"For 40 years the Presidential Scholars Program has shined a national spotlight on exceptional American high school students, marking their success and inspiring other young people to excel," Paige said.

"This department is proud to have partnered with the Commission on Presidential Scholars since the program's very first year. Our nation's progress in implementing the No Child Left Behind Act gives new meaning to this celebration of the power of high-quality education and of what all children can accomplish when met with high standards and high expectations."

The program was established in 1964 by executive order of the president to honor academic achievement and was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. The candidates qualified from among approximately 2.8 million students expected to graduate from high school in 2004, on the basis of outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT Assessments. Or, nomination through the annual nationwide Arts Recognition and Talent Search® (ARTS) conducted by the program's non-profit partner, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

A 29-member commission appointed by President Bush made the final selection from a field of more than 2,700 candidates. The group includes leaders in the fields of education, law, business and finance, social services, and government.

The scholars were chosen on the basis of broad academic achievement, essays and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service and commitment to high ideals.

The 141 winners include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen from at-large, and 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has been able to invite the teacher who has most inspired him or her to excel to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in National Recognition Week events. The teachers also receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Education Department.

Note to editors: List of Presidential Scholars follows.

2004 Presidential Scholars

[ * ] Presidential Scholar in the Arts

AK—Anchorage—Yin Tong, East Anchorage High School, Anchorage, AK. Most influential teacher: Janice C. Strickland, Anchorage, AK.

AK—Wasilla—Adam C. Berg, Colony High School, Palmer, AK. Most influential teacher: Shelley G. Heiserman, Wasilla, AK.

AL—Birmingham—David M. Rooney, Mountain Brook High School, Birmingham, AL. Most influential teacher: George A. Parker, Birmingham, AL.

AL—Hoover—Bronwyn N. Fullard, Hoover High School, Hoover, AL. Most influential teacher: Melody D. Greene, Hoover, AL.

AR—Little Rock—Yang Dai, Central High School, Little Rock, AR. Most influential teacher: James A. Brown, Little Rock, AR.

AR—Sherwood—Vivek P. Buch, Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School, Little Rock, AR. Most influential teacher: Mark F. Adame, Lewisville, TX.

AZ—Mesa—Dean W. Thongkham, Dobson High School, Mesa, AZ. Most influential teacher: Ed Eberle, Mesa, AZ.

AZ—Scottsdale—Meghan A. Bhave, Desert Mountain High School, Scottsdale, AZ. Most influential teacher: Terry Kellen, Cave Creek, AZ.

AZ—Scottsdale—Elisa T. Zhang, Chaparral High School, Scottsdale, AZ. Most influential teacher: James F. Ware, Fountain Hills, AZ.

[ * ] CA—Costa Mesa—Michael A. McLean, Newport Harbor High School, Newport Beach, CA. Most influential teacher: Gail Brower-Nedler, San Clemente, CA.

CA—Encino—Bryan M. Hunter, Oakwood School, North Hollywood, CA. Most influential teacher: Mickey Morgan, Los Angeles, CA.

[ * ] CA—Los Angeles—Joseph C. Wiggan, Alexander Hamilton High School Complex, Los Angeles, CA. Most influential teacher: Richard Schraier, Los Angeles, CA.

CA—Pasadena—Joseph C. Garand, Polytechnic School, Pasadena, CA. Most influential teacher: Malorie L. Wiebe, San Gabriel, CA.

[ * ] CA—San Diego—Stan I. Prokopenko, Mount Carmel High School, San Diego, CA. Most influential teacher: Kristine R. Adams, Ramona, CA.

CA—Santa Barbara—Lissa X. Yu, Dos Pueblos High School, Goleta, CA. Most influential teacher: Jeffrey Souther, Goleta, CA.

CO—Littleton—Siming Yang, Dakota Ridge High School, Littleton, CO. Most influential teacher: Ron C. Carda, Littleton, CO.

CO—Westminster—Bryan Y. Lee, Thornton High School, Thornton, CO. Most influential teacher: Donna J. Modrell, Thornton, CO.

CT—Fairfield—Nicole K. Kinsley, Fairfield High School, Fairfield, CT. Most influential teacher: Micheal Mulvey, Fairfield, CT.

CT—Greenwich—Townsend R. Wells, Brunswick School, Greenwich, CT. Most influential teacher: Richard M. Beattie, Greenwich, CT.

CT—Westport—Amy Chen, Staples High School, Westport, CT. Most influential teacher: Robin Sacilotto, Westport, CT.

DC—Washington—Katherine R. Forscey, Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC. Most influential teacher: Dana Krein, Boyds, MD.

DC—Washington—Jonathan T. Magruder, Saint Alban's School, Washington, DC. Most influential teacher: Edward P. Eagles, Washington, DC.

DE—Newark—Arjun K. Manrai, Caravel Academy, Bear, DE. Most influential teacher: Sandy Woods, New Castle, DE.

DE—Wilmington—Catherine E. Homsey, Archmere Academy, Claymont, DE. Most influential teacher: Margaret B. Carroll, Landenberg, PA.

FL—Casselberry—Ryan E. Truchelut, Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park, FL. Most influential teacher: Peter M. Ives, Winter Park, FL.

FL—Cooper City—Ronald K. Anguas, Dade Christian School, Hialeah, FL. Most influential teacher: Michelle R. Annett, Hialeah, FL.

FL—Lake Mary—Katherine E. Booth, Lake Mary High School, Lake Mary, FL. Most influential teacher: Steven DeSanto, Lake Mary, FL.

[ * ] FL—Opa Locka—Vera L. Arias, New World School of the Arts, Miami, FL. Most influential teacher: Tom A. Wyroba, Palmetto Bay, FL.

FL—Palm Bay—Kimberly N. Hoang, Palm Bay High School, Melbourne, FL. Most influential teacher: Joseph Pekich, Melbourne, FL.

FL—South Miami—Felipe Chor, Coral Reef Senior High School, Miami, FL. Most influential teacher: Jorge Barroso, Miami, FL.

FL—St. Petersburg—Hayley J. Fink, International Baccalaureate Program, St. Petersburg, FL. Most influential teacher: Constance M. Boyle, St. Petersburg, FL.

GA—Atlanta—Jessica R. Reel, The Westminster Schools, Atlanta, GA. Most influential teacher: Kevin Reel, Atlanta, GA.

GA—Columbus—Lisette N. Enumah, Brookstone School, Columbus, GA. Most influential teacher: Nan Pate, Columbus, GA.

GA—Snellville—Travis M. Mushett, Brookwood High School, Snellville, GA. Most influential teacher: James R. Barry, Loganville, GA.

HI—Honolulu—Avery A. Cavanah, Punahou School, Honolulu, HI. Most influential teacher: Marguerite Ashford, Kaneohe, HI.

HI—Honolulu—William A. Jacobson, Punahou School, Honolulu, HI. Most influential teacher: Edward P. Moore, Honolulu, HI.

[ * ] HI—Honolulu—Chris L. Schmicker, Punahou School, Honolulu, HI. Most influential teacher: Norman Hindley, Kaneohe, HI.

IA—Ames—Kimber D. Lockhart, Ballard High School, Huxley, IA. Most influential teacher: Matt E. Fletcher, Huxley, IA.

IA—Cedar Rapids—Matthew J. Craig, Linn-Mar High School, Marion, IA. Most influential teacher: Patricia Flater, Toddville, IA.

ID—Boise—Joseph D. Goodell, Centennial High School, Boise, ID. Most influential teacher: Marian DeWane, Boise, ID.

ID—Eagle—Arielle R. Gorin, The Micah Home School, Eagle, ID. Most influential teacher: Leslie S. Gorin, Eagle, ID.

IL—Barrington—Karin Lee, Barrington Community High School, Barrington, IL. Most influential teacher: Patricia Meloy, Marengo, IL.

IL—Downers Grove—Nicholas E. Burjek, Benet Academy, Lisle, IL. Most influential teacher: William Kohne, Downers Grove, IL.

IN—Granger—Cari E. Carson, Penn High School, Mishawaka, IN. Most influential teacher: Cheryn L. Drake, South Bend, IN.

IN—Munster—Jia Hou, Munster High School, Munster, IN. Most influential teacher: Stephen Moell, Munster, IN.

KS—Overland Park—Spencer S. Chu, Blue Valley North High School, Overland Park, KS. Most influential teacher: Michele Radio, Overland Park, KS.

KS—Wichita—Kristen L. Chopra, Independent High School, Wichita, KS. Most influential teacher: Judy Goodpasture, Wichita, KS.

KY—Columbia—Joanne E. Luckey, Adair County High School, Columbia, KY. Most influential teacher: John Peck, Columbia, KY.

KY—Louisville—Katherine E. Klem, Assumption High School, Louisville, KY. Most influential teacher: Mary Lee McCoy, Louisville, KY.

KY—Louisville—Adam C. Weis, duPont Manual Magnet High School, Louisville, KY. Most influential teacher: Todd O'Bryan, Louisville, KY.

LA—Baton Rouge—Erqi Liu, Baton Rouge Magnet High School, Baton Rouge, LA. Most influential teacher: Donna Parker, Baton Rouge, LA.

LA—Shreveport—Bradford S. Hargreaves, Caddo Parish Magnet High School, Shreveport, LA. Most influential teacher: Thaddeus T. Pardue, Shreveport, LA.

MA—Acton—Cherry C. Miao, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, Acton, MA. Most influential teacher: Jeff Weisenfreund, Waltham, MA.

MA—Newton—Benjamin J. Pope, Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood, MA. Most influential teacher: Garrett T. Bowers, Westwood, MA.

MD—Bethesda—Jennifer P. Jordan, Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC. Most influential teacher: Marilu Wood, Washington, DC.

MD—Chevy Chase—Frank L. Washburn, Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda, MD. Most influential teacher: Kelly W. Garton, Rockville, MD.

[ * ] MD—Kensington—Max E. Chavez, Albert Einstein Senior High School, Kensington, MD. Most influential teacher: Michael Piechocinski, Montgomery Village, MD.

ME—Bangor—Nathaniel R. Goodell, Bangor High School, Bangor, ME. Most influential teacher: Stephen E. Godsoe, Bangor, ME.

ME—Manchester—Erin A. Baggott, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH. Most influential teacher: Gary P. Hendrickson, Exeter, NH.

MI—Royal Oak—Kathryn E. Huston, George A. Dondero High School, Royal Oak, MI. Most influential teacher: Steven Chisnell, Waterford, MI.

MI—Traverse City—Jacob J. Norton, Traverse City Central High School, Traverse City, MI. Most influential teacher: Michael Durbin, Traverse City, MI.

[ * ] MN—Edina—Matt T. Momchilov, Perpich Center for Arts Education, Golden Valley, MN. Most influential teacher: Karen Monson, Golden Valley, MN.

MN—Mendota Heights—Eunice Yang, Central High School, St Paul, MN. Most influential teacher: Alexander Braginsky, Minneapolis, MN.

[ * ] MN—Moorhead—Hugh J. Kennedy, Moorhead Senior High School, Moorhead, MN. Most influential teacher: Rebecca Meyer-Larson, Moorhead, MN.

MN—Plymouth—Ning Zhou, Wayzata High School, Plymouth, MN. Most influential teacher: Thomas P. Kilkelly, Richfield, MN.

MO—Rolla—John V. Stoecker, Rolla Senior High School, Rolla, MO. Most influential teacher: Brenda Spurgeon, Rolla, MO.

MO—Wildwood—Lauren S. Krebs, Lafayette Senior High School, Ballwin, MO. Most influential teacher: Diane Tinucci, Chesterfield, MO.

MS—Jackson—Samuel D. Ray, Jackson Preparatory School, Jackson, MS. Most influential teacher: Elizabeth B. Raulston, Madison, MS.

MS—Madison—Ke Ji, Jackson Academy, Jackson, MS. Most influential teacher: Gerry Wilson, Jackson, MS.

MT—Great Falls—Gregory R. Gysberg, Charles M. Russell High School, Great Falls, MT. Most influential teacher: Terri L. Dahl, Great Falls, MT.

MT—Missoula—Alyssa R. Work, Hellgate High School, Missoula, MT. Most influential teacher: Marta York, Missoula, MT.

[ * ] NC—Cary—Hailey H. Clark, Cary Senior High School, Cary, NC. Most influential teacher: Catherine Charlton, Cary, NC.

NC—Chapel Hill—Henry L. Jicha, East Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, NC. Most influential teacher: Jay Wilson, Hillsborough, NC.

NC—Chapel Hill—Sharon R. Weeks, Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, NC. Most influential teacher: Robin McMahon, Chapel Hill, NC.

NC—Greensboro—Elena A. Snavely, Grimsley High School, Greensboro, NC. Most influential teacher: Terrie Joplin, Greensboro, NC.

ND—Bismarck—Nitin L. Mehdiratta, Century High School, Bismarck, ND. Most influential teacher: Robin Jossart, Bismarck, ND.

ND—Fargo—Anna K. Swenson, North High School, Fargo, ND. Most influential teacher: David Volk, Fargo, ND.

NE—Lincoln—Diana Lu, Lincoln East High School, Lincoln, NE. Most influential teacher: Anne M. Cognard, Lincoln, NE.

NE—Omaha—Brandon L. Tomlinson, Westside High School, Omaha, NE. Most influential teacher: Carol Fleming, Omaha, NE.

NH—Etna—Margaret M. Fitchet, Holton-Arms School, Bethesda, MD. Most influential teacher: Anne S. Lippold, Chevy Chase, MD.

[ * ] NH—Hanover—Megan L. Baxter, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI. Most influential teacher: Mike Delp, Interlochen, MI.

NH—Hollis—Christina S. Kang, Hollis/Brookline High School, Hollis, NH. Most influential teacher: Craig Plummer, Brookline, NH.

NH—Lee—Brian E. Malley, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH. Most influential teacher: Richard L. Parris, Exeter, NH.

NJ—Haddonfield—Jonathan P. Berger, Haddonfield Memorial High School, Haddonfield, NJ. Most influential teacher: Michael Glavin, Haddonfield, NJ.

NJ—Mendham—Jeremy R. Steinemann, Delbarton School, Morristown, NJ. Most influential teacher: Anne Leckie, Morristown, NJ.

NJ—Parsippany—Vivien K. Sun, Parsippany High School, Parsippany, NJ. Most influential teacher: Joseph M. Kyle, Little Falls, NJ.

NM—Albuquerque—Gabriel M. Fries-Briggs, Albuquerque High School, Albuquerque, NM. Most influential teacher: Cathy Stanke, Albuquerque, NM.

NM—Bosque Farms—Mary E. Spulak, St. Pius X High School, Albuquerque, NM. Most influential teacher: Marie Cahill, Albuquerque, NM.

NM—El Prado—Nicola E. Ulibarri, Taos High School, Taos, NM. Most influential teacher: Nancy Jenkins, Taos, NM.

NV—Las Vegas—Jeremee R. Peters, The Meadows School, Las Vegas, NV. Most influential teacher: Kathleen E. Small, Las Vegas, NV.

NV—Reno—Chase S. Correia, Galena High School, Reno, NV. Most influential teacher: Karen E. Cox, Carson City, NV.

[ * ] NY—Brooklyn—Chanel M. DaSilva, LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, New York, NY. Most influential teacher: Jamel J. Gaines, Brooklyn, NY.

NY—Dix Hills—Whitney C. Reiben, Half Hollow Hills High School East, Dix Hills, NY. Most influential teacher: Richard Lee, Dix Hills, NY.

[ * ] NY—Flushing—Jenny Li, LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, New York, NY. Most influential teacher: Masao Kawasaki, Bronxville, NY.

[ * ] NY—Great Neck—David Aaron Carpenter, John L. Miller-Great Neck North High School, Great Neck, NY. Most influential teacher: Joseph Rutkowski, New York, NY.

NY—New Rochelle—Matthew S. Fasman, New Rochelle High School #2, New Rochelle, NY. Most influential teacher: Donald G. Morrison, New York, NY.

[ * ] NY—New York—Kate E. Monaghan, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA. Most influential teacher: Martin H. Skoble, Brooklyn, NY.

[ * ] NY—New York City—Nigel R. Campbell, LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, New York, NY. Most influential teacher: Jamel J. Gaines, Brooklyn, NY.

NY—Rochester—Robert C. McCartney, McQuaid Jesuit High School, Rochester, NY. Most influential teacher: John M. Costello, S.J., Rochester, NY.

OH—North Bend—Kyle E. Karches, Saint Xavier High School, Cincinnati, OH. Most influential teacher: Dave Eby, Cincinnati, OH.

[ * ] OH—Toledo—Sara E. Sheperd, Whitmer Senior High School, Toledo, OH. Most influential teacher: Brad Faust, Toledo, OH.

OH—Upper Arlington—Hannah H. Ma, Upper Arlington High School, Upper Arlington, OH. Most influential teacher: Betsy Sidor, Upper Arlington, OH.

OK—Edmond—Steven M. Elliott, Edmond Santa Fe High School, Edmond, OK. Most influential teacher: Sandy Wilson, Edmond, OK.

OK—Norman—Jennifer Nan, Norman North High School, Norman, OK. Most influential teacher: Jim Ryan, Norman, OK.

OR—Eugene—Jenny E. Nissel, South Eugene High School, Eugene, OR. Most influential teacher: Judy Wenger, Eugene, OR.

OR—McMinnville—Mitchel R. Norgan, McMinnville Senior High School, McMinnville, OR. Most influential teacher: Brian Tebeau, McMinnville, OR.

OR—Tigard—Nicole M. Hartfield, Tigard High School, Tigard, OR. Most influential teacher: David Arney, Tigard, OR.

PA—Huntingdon Valley—Jacob D. Schuman, Lower Moreland High School, Huntingdon Vly, PA. Most influential teacher: John Haldeman, Huntingdon Vly, PA.

PA—Pittsburgh—Lisa C. Kelley, Fox Chapel Area High School, Pittsburgh, PA. Most influential teacher: Jane B. Matner, Allison Park, PA.

PR—San Juan—Jaime O. Diaz, Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola, Rio Piedras, PR. Most influential teacher: Eileen Quiñones, Rio Piedras, PR.

PR—Trujillo Alto—Amaryllis C. Gonzalez, Baldwin School of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, PR. Most influential teacher: Ceida Fernandez, Bayamon, PR.

RI—Pawtucket—Adam P. Lesnikowski, La Salle Academy, Providence, RI. Most influential teacher: Paul Goodwin, Providence, RI.

RI—Portsmouth—Kimberley T. Taylor, Portsmouth Abbey School, Portsmouth, RI. Most influential teacher: Daniel McDonough, Portsmouth, RI.

SC—Aiken—Brandon J. Kearse, Aiken High School, Aiken, SC. Most influential teacher: Sally Jenkins, Aiken, SC.

SC—Columbia—Chelsey L. Karns, Ridge View High School, Columbia, SC. Most influential teacher: Marc A. Turner, Columbia, SC.

SD—Eureka—Julius D. Krein, Eureka High School, Eureka, SD. Most influential teacher: Sharel Delzer, Eureka, SD.

SD—Florence—Kelly J. Deutsch, Watertown Senior High School, Watertown, SD. Most influential teacher: Scott Walker, Watertown, SD.

TN—Franklin—Matthew R. Schrimpf, Centennial High School, Franklin, TN. Most influential teacher: Charlotte A. Cooper, Nashville, TN.

TN—Signal Mountain—Megan E. Galbreth, Girls Preparatory School, Chattanooga, TN. Most influential teacher: Dan Predmore, Signal Mountain, TN.

TX—Dallas—Jason D. Misium, Jesuit College Preparatory School, Dallas, TX. Most influential teacher: Michael Degen, Dallas, TX.

[ * ] TX—Dallas—Christopher P. Vo, Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Dallas, TX. Most influential teacher: Lily C. Weiss, Mesquite, TX.

[ * ] TX—Houston—Blake C. Williams, The High School for Performing & Visual Arts, Houston, TX. Most influential teacher: Beth Weinberger, Houston, TX.

[ * ] TX—Richardson—Ava K. Wilson, Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Dallas, TX. Most influential teacher: Nedra P. James, Mesquite, TX.

TX—Sugar Land—Cynthia A. Chi, William P. Clements High School, Sugar Land, TX. Most influential teacher: Sue Murray, Missouri City, TX.

UT—Provo—Daniel B. Inouye, Timpview High School, Provo, UT. Most influential teacher: Louise G. Durham, Provo, UT.

UT—Provo—Sarah A. Stokes, Timpview High School, Provo, UT. Most influential teacher: Joe Simons, Provo, UT.

VA—Centreville—Jennie Park, Jefferson High School for Science & Technology, Alexandria, VA. Most influential teacher: Alfred Lampazzi, Alexandria, VA.

VA—Vienna—Jonathan J. Schwank, Jefferson High School for Science & Technology, Alexandria, VA. Most influential teacher: Alfred Lampazzi, Alexandria, VA.

VT—Colchester—Emily M. Bogue, The Gailer School, Shelburne, VT. Most influential teacher: Victoria Chase, South Hero, VT.

VT—Essex Junction—Michael W. Zimmerman, Essex High School, Essex Junction, VT. Most influential teacher: Arthur Pellerin, Fairfax, VT.

WA—Seattle—Miriam R. Hinman, James A. Garfield High School, Seattle, WA. Most influential teacher: Richard Boyes, Seattle, WA.

WA—Spokane—James C. Hill, St. George's School, Spokane, WA. Most influential teacher: John F. Nord, Spokane, WA.

WI—Appleton—Sopen B. Shah, Xavier High School, Appleton, WI. Most influential teacher: Thomas Letkewicz, Fond du Lac, WI.

[ * ] WI—Madison—Kathryn K. Huo, James Madison Memorial High School, Madison, WI. Most influential teacher: Christopher Taylor, Middleton, WI.

WI—Oshkosh—Jonathan Tsao, Oshkosh West High School, Oshkosh, WI. Most influential teacher: Trent W. Scott, Oshkosh, WI.

WV—Morgantown—Justin P. Ryu, Morgantown High School, Morgantown, WV. Most influential teacher: Robert Kefferstan, Morgantown, WV.

WV—Morgantown—Jennifer X. Zhang, Morgantown High School, Morgantown, WV. Most influential teacher: Karen L. Hedges, Morgantown, WV.

WY—Bedford—Destin L. Hodges, Star Valley High School, Afton, WY. Most influential teacher: Helen Merritt, Afton, WY.

WY—Casper—Sarah A. Hennagin, Natrona County High School, Casper, WY. Most influential teacher: Anne Pieper-Underbrink, Casper, WY.

Americans Abroad—APO-AE—John K. Lee, Cairo American College, Cairo, Egypt. Most influential teacher: Winsome Saldanha, Washington, DC.

Americans Abroad—GU-Tamuning—Jessica A. Marati, Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Agana, Guam. Most influential teacher: Tinnah Dela Rosa, Agana, Guam.

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