A Cypress high school senior was named as a “Presidential Scholar” this week by the U.S. Department of Education.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the 56th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.
“It is my privilege to congratulate the Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 on their outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
“These exemplary young people have excelled inside the classroom and out. And, while they are facing unprecedented challenges as they graduate from high school into a world that looks much different than it did just a few months ago, their determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence will serve them well as they pursue their next steps.”
Jessica Costescu, a Cypress High School senior, was one of only ten scholars named in California named to the Presidential list.
Candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2020.
According to a Facebook post, Jessica is the Cypress Ambassador to the Board of Trustees, she attended (as one of 6 students worldwide) the FBI Youth Leadership Academy in 2018 and the DEA Leadership Academy in 2019. She is a Cypress Police Explorer as well.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,600 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts.
In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
“I have been allowed to academically excel because of the amazing institution that Cypress High School is. All of your work, that of the administrators, and the faculty makes me love coming to school every day and this has held true ever since I enrolled as a freshman,” said Jessica to her principal, Dr. Jodie Wales on the Facebook post.
As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the Arts and 20 Scholars in Career and Technical Education.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community.
