Did you need a reason to brag about Cobb County schools? Well, one student has been recognized by the federal government as one of the best in the nation.

Zane G. Placie, a Kennesaw Mountain High School student, is one of this year's 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars, the Department of Education announced Friday.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars looks at students' academic success, artistic excellence, essays, evaluations, transcripts, evidence of community service and leadership skills.

More than 5,100 students qualified for the 2017 awards, determined by nomination and their SAT and ACT scores. You can see the Georgia candidates and semifinalists online.

Here are the other scholars throughout the state:

  • **Dalton C. Green, Ringgold - Gordon Lee Memorial High School
  • Isabelle O. Riddle, Canton - Sequoyah High School
  • **Helen J. Smith, Fayetteville - Sandy Creek High School
  • Nivedha Soundappan, Kathleen - Houston County High School

[**] Indicates a U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education

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