On May 2, senior Katie Siegel became the second female in school history to be recognized as a U.S. Presidential Scholar for her academic achievements.

Katie was one of 141 high school seniors chosen this year by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars. The selections were based on students’ academic performance, artistic distinction, essays, and experience in community service and leadership, according to a press release by the U.S. Department of Education.

“My friend told me [the news] when we were off-campus. I was like, ‘Yay!,’ she said.
As her most influential teacher, Katie chose computer science teacher Susan King.

“She was the one who first got me really, really interested in computer science as a potential future major,” she said. “She and Mr. Page have been really supportive through the whole programming club experience and running the programming invitational.”

King also expressed her delight over Katie’s accomplishment.

“I’m thrilled that she’s been nominated,” King said. “I know she works hard both within the classroom and outside the classroom. As a scholar, she lightens up the room with her insights and her effort.”

Accompanied by King, Katie will travel to Washington D.C. on June 16 to attend the ceremony and receive her medallion.

“I’m excited. I always like meeting new people,” Katie said.

Each year the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects two high school seniors from each state, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, it names two students from U.S. families living abroad, 15 students chosen at-large, and 20 separate students as Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

In the past, three Upper School students have been honored by the program. Samantha Fang ‘06 was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, while Senan Ebrahim ‘08 and Daniel Kim ‘09 were each named Presidential Scholars.