Six charter school students were among 161 high school seniors honored as 2021 Presidential Scholars for their exceptional accomplishments in academics, the arts, or career and technical education. During a profoundly challenging year, these young people have demonstrated an inspiring commitment to excellence.
Congratulations to all the charter school students in the 2021 class of Presidential Scholars and the exemplary charter schools that serve them:
Viraj Mehta (Scottsdale, AZ) – BASIS Scottsdale
Rohan P Kanchana (Hockessin, DE) – Newark Charter Junior/Senior High School, U.S Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education
Divita Taduvayi (Bear, DE) – MOT Charter High School, U.S Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education
Caroline Curran (Pocasset, MA) – Sturgis Charter Public School
Pratyush Seshadri (Cary, NC) – Raleigh Charter High School
Dallin Tyler Christensen (Pleasant View, UT) – Leadership Academy of Utah
Of the 3.6 million graduating seniors this year, more than 6,000 students were eligible, and 625 students were selected as semifinalists. Eligibility for this prestigious honor is based on outstanding performance on the SAT or ACT, or via nomination by the National YoungArts Foundation or the Chief State School Officer of their states. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects the final class of Presidential Scholars through a rigorous evaluation of each student’s academic achievement, artistic or technical distinction, personal essay, community service, and demonstrated leadership.
Congratulations to these inspiring charter school students!
Fiona Sheridan-McIver is the senior manager of policy and government relations at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
