2009 Presidential Scholars Announced

Oregon scholars hail from Corvallis, Portland and West Linn.

Courtesy: frontier.wnyric.org

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the selection of 141 outstanding high school seniors as the 2009 Presidential Scholars. The students have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, and community service. Presidential scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C., tentatively scheduled from June 20-24.

“Every year for nearly half a century we've been honoring America's best and brightest students and every year they continue to make outstanding contributions to society while reaching milestones in their academic pursuits," Duncan said. "This year's Presidential Scholars continue that trend. They are shining examples of excellence in academics and in the arts and are role models that all students should emulate.”

The 141 Presidential Scholars include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts. A 29-member Commission on Presidential Scholars appointed by the President selected the scholars based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

For the past 45 years, this prestigious program has honored more than 6,000 of the nation’s top-performing students. Of the three million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 3,000 candidates qualified on the basis of outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, or by nomination through the nationwide youngARTS™ competition conducted by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

The Presidential Scholars program was created in 1964 to honor academic achievement. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts.

Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, D.C., to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events.

2009 Presidential Scholars

* Presidential Scholar in the Arts
AK - Anchorage - Elizabeth A. Phillips, West Anchorage High School, Anchorage, AK. Most influential teacher: Andrew Zartmann, Anchorage, AK.
AK - Wasilla - Leif K. Johnson, Wasilla High School, Wasilla, AK. Most influential teacher: Bill Parker, Wasilla, AK.
AL - Birmingham - Lauren E. Faraino, Vestavia Hills High School, Vestavia Hills, AL. Most influential teacher: Amy Maddox, Gardendale, AL.
AL - Huntsville - Nikhil Goel, Virgil I. Grissom High School, Huntsville, AL. Most influential teacher: Cindy Rodgers, Huntsville, AL.
AR - Jonesboro - John N. McDaniel, Jonesboro High School, Jonesboro, AR. Most influential teacher: Wright Porter, Jonesboro, AR.
AR - Little Rock - Helena Liu, Central High School, Little Rock, AR. Most influential teacher: Annice Steadman, Little Rock, AR.
AZ - Phoenix - Booyeon J. Han, Desert Vista High School, Phoenix, AZ. Most influential teacher: Dawn Schmidt, Chandler, AZ.
AZ - Tempe - Vishal Maini, Corona del Sol High School, Tempe, AZ. Most influential teacher: Karyn Dempsey, Tempe, AZ.
CA - Cupertino - Daniel J. Kim, Harker School, San Jose, CA. Most influential teacher: Anthony Silk, San Jose, CA.
CA - Fremont - Sejal Hathi, Notre Dame High School, San Jose, CA. Most influential teacher: Ruth Burson, San Jose, CA.
*CA - Pacific Palisades - Julia A. Kellman, Marlborough School, Los Angeles, CA. Most influential teacher: Judith Tanzman, Pasadena, CA.
CA - San Diego - Kristina E. Bohl, Francis W. Parker School, San Diego, CA. Most influential teacher: Cheryle Redelings, San Diego, CA.
CA - Santa Rosa - Jesse T. Nee-Vogelman, Elsie Allen High School, Santa Rosa, CA. Most influential teacher: Rob Burt, Windsor, CA.
*CO - Boulder - Leann N. Osterkamp, Boulder High School, Boulder, CO. Most influential teacher: Doris Pridonoff Lehnert, Boulder, CO.
CO - Colorado Springs - Hunter J. Sceats, Cheyenne Mountain High School, Colorado Springs, CO. Most influential teacher: Janie Mueller, Colorado Springs, CO.
CO - Louisville - Evanne M. Montoya, Monarch High School, Louisville, CO. Most influential teacher: Jane O'Connor, Louisville, CO.
CT - Easton - Alyssa M. Bilinski, Joel Barlow High School, West Redding, CT. Most influential teacher: Randall Smith, West Redding, CT.
CT - West Hartford - Emmett F. Gilles, Conard High School, West Hartford, CT. Most influential teacher: Tom Moore, West Hartford, CT.
*CT - Woodstock Valley - Daniel Mitra, Woodstock Academy, Woodstock, CT. Most influential teacher: Josh Hilberman, Jamaica Plain, MA.
DC - Washington - Edmund T. Downie, St. Alban's School, Washington, DC. Most influential teacher: Wallace Ragan, III, Washington, DC.
DC - Washington - Clare S. Sestanovich, Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC. Most influential teacher: Steve Steinbach, Washington, DC.
DE - Hockessin - Rebecca D. Roelofs, Charter School of Wilmington, Wilmington, DE. Most influential teacher: Beenu Gupta, Hockessin, DE.
DE - Wilmington - Christopher N. Copeland, Sanford School, Hockessin, DE. Most influential teacher: Paul Donovan, Hockessin, DE.
FL - Boca Raton - Fedja Kadribasic, West Boca Raton Community High School, Boca Raton, FL. Most influential teacher: Kane More, Boca Raton, FL.
FL - Bradenton - Elan Q. Nguyen, St. Stephen's Episcopal School, Bradenton, FL. Most influential teacher: Bernie Yanelli, Bradenton, FL.
*FL - Miami Lakes - Priscilla S. Aleman, Design & Architecture Senior High School, Miami, FL. Most influential teacher: RoseMary Pringle, Miami, FL.
*FL - Opa-Locka - Ernest F. Baker, II, Miami Carol City Senior High School, Miami, FL. Most influential teacher: Zedric Bembry, II, Miramar, FL.
FL - St. Augustine - Andrew P. Carmedelle, St. Joseph Academy, St. Augustine, FL. Most influential teacher: Bryan Ott, Saint Augustine, FL.
GA - Alpharetta - Marissa Pan, Alpharetta High School, Alpharetta, GA. Most influential teacher: Claudia Alldredge, Roswell, GA.
GA - Marietta - Ge Zhang, George Walton High School, Marietta, GA. Most influential teacher: Cathy Murphy, Woodstock, GA.
HI - Honolulu - Robert J. Tamai, Iolani School, Honolulu, HI. Most influential teacher: Gail Tuthill, Honolulu, HI.
HI - Mililani - Lucia Mocz, Mililani High School, Mililani Town, HI. Most influential teacher: Sandra Webb, Waipahu, HI.
IA - Ames - Sandy H. Huang, Ames High School, Ames, IA. Most influential teacher: Michael Lazere, Ames, IA.
IA - Mason City - Stephen E. Henrich, Newman High School, Mason City, IA. Most influential teacher: Gary Nyhus, Clear Lake, IA.
ID - Boise - Avalon C. Owens, Centennial High School, Boise, ID. Most influential teacher: Marian DeWane, Boise, ID.
ID - Moscow - Linyi Gao, Moscow High School, Moscow, ID. Most influential teacher: Susan Hodgin, Moscow, ID.
IL - Carol Stream - Benjamin D. Crosby, Glenbard North High School, Carol Stream, IL. Most influential teacher: Matt Carey, Carol Stream, IL.
*IL - Chicago - Julian A. Cook, Jones College Preparatory, Chicago, IL. Most influential teacher: Craye Klopack, Chicago, IL.
IL - Crystal Lake - Tyler C. White, Crystal Lake Central High School, Crystal Lake, IL. Most influential teacher: Kylene Gott, Crystal Lake, IL.
IL - Deerfield - Jeffrey C. Lerman, Deerfield High School, Deerfield, IL. Most influential teacher: Jeffrey Berger-White, Deerfield, IL.
IL - Hinsdale - Lauren E. Zumbach, Hinsdale Township High School Central, Hinsdale, IL. Most influential teacher: John Naisbitt, Hinsdale, IL.
*IL - Rockford - Steven L. Johnson, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI. Most influential teacher: David Montee, Traverse City, MI.
IN - Kokomo - Kevin V. Chaung, Kokomo High School So Campus, Kokomo, IN. Most influential teacher: James McCarter, Jr., Burlington, IN.
IN - Newburgh - Amanda C. Williams, Castle High School, Newburgh, IN. Most influential teacher: Leonard Sievers, Newburg, IN.
KS - Overland Park - Jackson P. Wyche, The Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, MO. Most influential teacher: Robert Tostevin, Kansas City, MO.
KS - Wichita - Tiffany J. Hwang, Wichita High School East, Wichita, KS. Most influential teacher: Celeste Hutton, Wichita, KS.
KY - Independence - Jacob S. Bailey, Simon Kenton High School, Independence, KY. Most influential teacher: Chris Girard, Independence, KY.
KY - Lexington - Connie Wu, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Lexington, KY. Most influential teacher: Irina Voro, Lexington, KY.
KY - Versailles - Adam T. Horn, Woodford County High School, Versailles, KY. Most influential teacher: Dan Ruff, Lexington, KY.
LA - Houma - Charles F. Gyer, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma, LA. Most influential teacher: Alan Phillips, Houma, LA.
*LA - Mandeville - Holden M. Brown, Fontainebleau High School, Mandeville, LA. Most influential teacher: Gayle Berard, Covington, LA.
LA - Metairie - Jane A. Ball, St. Martin's Episcopal School, Metairie, LA. Most influential teacher: Joe Vaccaro, Metairie, LA.
MA - Newburyport - Irene B. Jacqz, Newburyport High School, Newburyport, MA. Most influential teacher: Mark Littlefield, Newburyport, MA.
MA - Weston - Alexander D. Bruce, Weston High School, Weston, MA. Most influential teacher: Peter Banker, Harvard, MA.
*MD - Baltimore - Celia D. Bell, The Bryn Mawr School, Baltimore, MD. Most influential teacher: William Waters, Baltimore, MD.
MD - Ellicott City - Peter I. Kamel, Centennial High School, Ellicott City, MD. Most influential teacher: Michelle Bagley, Ellicott City, MD.
MD - Ellicott City - Ping T. Yeh, Centennial High School, Ellicott City, MD. Most influential teacher: Jason Piluk, Ellicott City, MD.
MD - Potomac - Nathan C. Prillaman, Richard Montgomery High School, Rockville, MD. Most influential teacher: Peter Perry, Rockville, MD.
ME - Brewer - Erin L. Mills, Brewer High School, Brewer, ME. Most influential teacher: Mark Savage, Brewer, ME.
ME - Lewiston - Michael P. Girouard, St. Dominic Regional High School, Auburn, ME. Most influential teacher: Margaret DeBlois, Auburn, ME.
MI - Portage - Thomas G. Ankenbauer, Hackett Catholic Central High School, Kalamazoo, MI. Most influential teacher: Christopher Adrian, Kalamazoo, MI.
*MI - Saline - Andrea C. Jarrett, Saline High School, Saline, MI. Most influential teacher: Almita Vamos, Evanston, IL.
MI - Troy - Aparna K. Ananthasubramaniam, The Roeper School, Bloomfield Hills, MI. Most influential teacher: James Benigna, Royal Oak, MI.
*MN - Moorhead - Rachel A. Clausen, Moorhead Senior High School, Moorhead, MN. Most influential teacher: Rebecca Meyer-Larson, Moorhead, MN.
MN - Rochester - Andrew T. Peters, Mayo High School, Rochester, MN. Most influential teacher: Ellen Sassenberg, Rochester, MN.
MN - Rochester - Annemarie E. Ryu, Mayo High School, Rochester, MN. Most influential teacher: Barbara Milburn, Rochester, MN.
MO - Chesterfield - William J. Sun, Parkway Central High School, Chesterfield, MO. Most influential teacher: Jason Lovera, Valley Park, MO.
MO - Columbia - Jessica J. Hwang, David H. Hickman High School, Columbia, MO. Most influential teacher: Deanna Wasman, Columbia, MO.
MS - Jackson - Jared E. Moffat, Jackson Preparatory School, Jackson, MS. Most influential teacher: Anna Freundt, Jackson, MS.
MS - Madison - Grace M. Serio, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Ridgeland, MS. Most influential teacher: Sandra Hindsman, Ridgeland, MS.
*MS - Ocean Springs - Annie M. Wentzell, Mississippi School of the Arts, Brookhaven, MS. Most influential teacher: Kimberly Este, Summit, MS.
MT - Missoula - Kyle D. Doyle, Loyola Sacred Heart High School, Missoula, MT. Most influential teacher: Matthew Stergios, Missoula, MT.
MT - Missoula - Emily L. Howell, Hellgate High School, Missoula, MT. Most influential teacher: Rob Jensen, Missoula, MT.
NC - Charlotte - Bo-Tsuong Xiang, Myers Park High School, Charlotte, NC. Most influential teacher: Andrew Mahar, IV, Charlotte, NC.
NC - Greensboro - Elizabeth M. Rodenbough, Grimsley High School, Greensboro, NC. Most influential teacher: Terrie Joplin, Greensboro, NC.
NC - Raleigh - Patrick J. Short, Jesse O. Sanderson High School, Raleigh, NC. Most influential teacher: Ginger Cherry, Garner, NC.
ND - Dickinson - Shelby N. Dvorak, Dickinson High School, Dickinson, ND. Most influential teacher: Jim Fahy, Dickinson, ND.
ND - Fargo - John B. Kenney, Shanley High School, Fargo, ND. Most influential teacher: Michael Hagstrom, Fargo, ND.
NE - Lincoln - Benjamin J. Kotopka, Pius X High School, Lincoln, NE. Most influential teacher: Katie Elsener, Lincoln, NE.
NE - Omaha - Anne A. Wang, Millard North High School, Omaha, NE. Most influential teacher: Julia Kolander, Omaha, NE.
NH - Derry - Carolyn E. Douglas, Pinkerton Academy, Derry, NH. Most influential teacher: Edward Vaitones, Derry, NH.
NH - Dover - Lucas E. San Juan, Dover High School, Dover, NH. Most influential teacher: Francine Kontos, Dover, NH.
NH - Exeter - Jeanette J. Wat, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, NH. Most influential teacher: Elizabeth Moore, Naperville, IL.
*NJ - Bridgewater - Allen Yueh, Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School, Bridgewater, NJ. Most influential teacher: Yelena Ivanov, Bridgewater, NJ.
NJ - Moorestown - Jasmine B. Zhuang, Moorestown High School, Moorestown, NJ. Most influential teacher: Rosalyn Ericson, Eastampton, NJ.
NJ - Westfield - Mark D. Vander Schaaf, Union County Magnet High School, Scotch Plains, NJ. Most influential teacher: Laura Segedin, Rahway, NJ.
NM - Albuquerque - Andrew A. Chael, Manzano High School, Albuquerque, NM. Most influential teacher: Patricia Gardner, Albuquerque, NM.
NM - Albuquerque - Elise C. Gurney, Albuquerque High School, Albuquerque, NM. Most influential teacher: Samuel Davidson, Albuquerque, NM.
NV - Las Vegas - Carmen G. Lai, Clark High School, Las Vegas, NV. Most influential teacher: Jie Bu, Las Vegas, NV.
NV - Sparks - David R. Wagner, Spanish Springs High School, Sparks, NV. Most influential teacher: Jacob Charlebois, Reno, NV.
*NY - Brooklyn - Joshua A. Arky, St. Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY. Most influential teacher: Frederick Martell, New York, NY.
NY - Brooklyn - Allen Granzberg, Stuyvesant High School, New York, NY. Most influential teacher: Clarissa Bushman, New York, NY.
*NY - Cherry Valley - Maggie R. Millner, Cherry Valley-Springfield Central Junior-Senior High School, Cherry Valley, NY. Most influential teacher: Margaret Bouck, Sharon Springs, NY.
NY - Syosset - Mary R. Awadallah, Syosset High School, Syosset, NY. Most influential teacher: Ivor Parsons, East Norwich, NY.
NY - Woodside - Grace F. Chao, St. Mary's High School, Manhasset, NY. Most influential teacher: Kathleen Smith, Manhasset, NY.
*OH - Columbus - Nathaniel P. West, Upper Arlington High School, Upper Arlington, OH. Most influential teacher: John Deliman, Dublin, OH.
OH - Hudson - Anne Song, Western Reserve Academy, Hudson, OH. Most influential teacher: Nick Lewis, Hudson, OH.
OH - Solon - Xin Qian, Solon High School, Solon, OH. Most influential teacher: Daniel McKeen, Hinckley, OH.
OH - Westerville - Henry Liu, Thomas Worthington High School, Worthington, OH. Most influential teacher: Douglas Dosky, Worthington, OH.
OK - Lawton - Anish Tilak, Eisenhower Senior High School, Lawton, OK. Most influential teacher: Randy Kuchynka, Lawton, OK.
OK - Tulsa - Amy Y. Tai, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, Oklahoma City, OK. Most influential teacher: Nelson Daniel, Jr., Edmond, OK.
OR - Corvallis - Tony Wu, Crescent Valley High School, Corvallis, OR. Most influential teacher: Beth Russell, Corvallis, OR.
OR - Portland - Ilana Z. Walder-Biesanz, Riverdale High School, Portland, OR. Most influential teacher: Laurie LePore, Portland, OR.
*OR - West Linn - Kathryn L. Davis, West Linn High School, West Linn, OR. Most influential teacher: Jeffery Cumpston, Harare, Zimbabwe.
*PA - Fairfield - Peter C. Ferguson, Delone Catholic High School, McSherrystown, PA. Most influential teacher: Raymond Buchheister, Fairfield, PA.
PA - Mechanicsburg - Lee Kennedy-Shaffer, Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School, Mechanicsburg, PA. Most influential teacher: Jason Baker, Carlisle, PA.
PA - Norristown - Janet Song, Methacton High School, Norristown, PA. Most influential teacher: Beth Messere, Norristown, PA.
PR - Guaynabo - Mariana I. Ramirez, St. John's School, San Juan, PR. Most influential teacher: Mercedes Higuera, San Juan, PR.
PR - San Juan - Ridge T. Olivieri, St. John's School, San Juan, PR. Most influential teacher: David Henner, San Juan, PR.
RI - Cumberland - Matthew E. Baglini, Cumberland High School, Cumberland, RI. Most influential teacher: Kristen Murphy, Cumberland, RI.
RI - Providence - Leia M. Dwyer, Classical High School, Providence, RI. Most influential teacher: Ellen Anderson, Providence, RI.
SC - Spartanburg - Bonnie A. Antosh, Spartanburg High School, Spartanburg, SC. Most influential teacher: Lisa McCulley, Spartanburg, SC.
SC - Spartanburg - Andrew W. Henderson, Spartanburg High School, Spartanburg, SC. Most influential teacher: Terri Dees, Spartanburg, SC.
b>SD - Rapid City - Anne M. Pfeifle, Stevens Senior High School, Rapid City, SD. Most influential teacher: Suzanne Nelson, Rapid City, SD.
SD - Tea - Aaron M. Mead, Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls, SD. Most influential teacher: Mary Schmitz, Sioux Falls, SD.
TN - Kingsport - Alice Xiang, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport, TN. Most influential teacher: Kevin Fielden, Kingsport, TN.
TN - Nashville - Vladimir K. Alexander, Ensworth High School, Nashville, TN. Most influential teacher: John Brady, III, Nashville, TN.
TX - Austin - Abhinav Golla, Westlake High School, Austin, TX. Most influential teacher: Jo Green, Austin, TX.
TX - Carrollton - Sameer K. Deshpande, Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, Denton, TX. Most influential teacher: Titu Andreescu, Allen, TX.
TX - Lewisville - Emily A. White, Lewisville High School, Lewisville, TX. Most influential teacher: Sally Squibb, Lewisville, TX.
TX - Pearland - Omosola O. Odetunde, Pearland High School, Pearland, TX. Most influential teacher: Christopher Fatheree, Pearland, TX.
*TX - Pearland - Devyn A. Tyler, The High School for Performing & Visual Arts, Houston, TX. Most influential teacher: Cynthia Ogden, Houston, TX.
UT - Layton - Camille A. Wasden, Northridge High School, Layton, UT. Most influential teacher: Larry Peterson, Layton, UT.
UT - Logan - Konlin Shen, Logan High School, Logan, UT. Most influential teacher: Andrew Nielson, Logan, UT.
VA - Oak Hill - Lily L. Hsiang, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology, Alexandria, VA. Most influential teacher: Sherwood Williams, Arlington, VA.
*VA - Richmond - Meagan C. Jenigen, Appomattox Governors School for Arts & Technology, Petersburg, VA. Most influential teacher: Aimee Joyaux, Petersburg, VA.
VA - Yorktown - Kevin K. Luo, York High School, Yorktown, VA. Most influential teacher: Cynthia Hardesty, Yorktown, VA.
VT - Chester - Joseph P. Dexter, Green Mountain Union High School, Chester, VT. Most influential teacher: Jonathan Rice, Chester, VT.
VT - South Burlington - Bailey P. Hoar, Middlesex School, Concord, MA. Most influential teacher: John Hirsch, Concord, MA.
WA - Bellevue - Brian T. Reiser, Lakeside School, Seattle, WA. Most influential teacher: Lilia Kol, Bellevue, WA.
WA - Camas - Stephanie A. Nicholson, Camas Senior High School, Camas, WA. Most influential teacher: Kristi Bridges, Washougal, WA.
WA - Lynnwood - Sally C. Chu, Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA. Most influential teacher: David Quinn, Edmonds, WA.
WI - Madison - Suvai Gunasekaran, James Madison Memorial High School, Madison, WI. Most influential teacher: Stephen Guziewski, Madison, WI.
WI - Platteville - Philip V. Streich, Home School, Platteville, WI. Most influential teacher: Amanda Streich, Platteville, WI.
WV - Morgantown - Brian Chen, University High School, Morgantown, WV. Most influential teacher: Michael Roh, Morgantown, WV.
WV - Morgantown - Emily W. Ngan, Trinity High School, Morgantown, WV. Most influential teacher: Debora Palmer, Morgantown, WV.
WY - Cheyenne - Ryan T. Ragaglia, Cheyenne Central High School, Cheyenne, WY. Most influential teacher: Jayne Wingate, Cheyenne, WY.
WY - Jackson - Garnet E. Henderson, Jackson Hole High School, Jackson, WY. Most influential teacher: Evie Lewis, Jackson, WY.
WY - Ranchester - Christoph J. Maze, Tongue River High School, Dayton, WY. Most influential teacher: William Hanewald, Sheridan, WY.
Americans Abroad - Zachary T. Osborn, Bonn International School, Bonn, Germany. Most influential teacher: Lorraine Heinrichs, Bad Honnef, Germany.
Americans Abroad - Yookyeong C. Sim, Indian Springs School, Indian Springs, AL. Most influential teacher: Diane Sheppard, Indian Springs, AL.