A pair of Georgia high school students — one from Duluth and another from Milton — have been named 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholars, a designation given to only 141 students across the country.
Sathvik Namburar of Duluth, who attends Woodward Academy in College Park, and Meghana Nallajerla of Milton, who attends Milton High in Alpharetta, were honored for academic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service and contributions to their school and community. They will be honored in Washington, D.C., from June 22-25.
Two presidential scholars are selected from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and from U.S. families living abroad. An additional 15 scholars are chosen at-large, and there are 20 scholars selected for their accomplishments in the arts. More than 3,900 students qualified for selection based on their SAT and ACT scores as well as from nominations.
Scholars select a teacher to be honored, and Namburar chose George Dietz of Woodward Academy, with Nallajerla choosing Randall Fair of Milton High.
“The extraordinary young men and women being honored for the 50th anniversary of the Presidential Scholars have excelled in their educational, artistic and civic pursuits,” said U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who announced the selection of the scholars. “They show all of us that when students challenge themselves and commit themselves to excellence, the results can be astounding. These scholars will help move our country forward and will have a lasting impact on their families, communities, and on our society. They represent the potential of all young citizens to lift up America.”
