Alachua County Senior Is Named a US Presidential Scholar

By Amanda Roland
U.S. Presidential Scholars

Alachua County Public Schools high school senior, Helena Jiang, has been named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. She is one of just 161 in the entire country.

To become a Presidential Scholar, much is taken into consideration, including academics, college entrance exams, school evaluations, essays, community service, transcripts and leadership.

โ€œThese exemplary young people have excelled inside the classroom and out,โ€ said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a news release about the selection. โ€œAnd, while they are facing unprecedented challenges as they graduate from high school into a world that looks much different than it did just a few months ago, their determination, resilience and commitment to excellence will serve them well as they pursue their next steps.โ€

Helena Jiang, Presidential Scholar

Jiang was a Buchholz High School senior, and some of her other accomplishments include being a 2020 National Merit Finalist, one of 150 2020 Coca Cola Scholars nationwide and one of 40 finalists nationwide in the 2020 Regeneron Science Talent Search to name a few.

โ€œHelena has been a shining star in this district for years,โ€ said Superintendent Karen Clarke. โ€œWeโ€™re so proud of the national and even international recognition sheโ€™s earned, and we know she will go on to accomplish great things when she graduates from Alachua County Public Schools.โ€

The U.S. Department of Education said that the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be recognized over the summer if health circumstances allow it.

 

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