Woodbury High School Student Selected As 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar

Woodbury MN

23 May, 2021

3:35 AM

Description

Press release from South Washington County Schools: May 20, 2021 SoWashCo Schools is excited to announce that Esperanza Lee, a Woodbury High School (WHS) senior, has been selected as a United States Presidential Scholar. The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize the nation's most distinguished graduating seniors. Along with being a 2021 Presidential Scholar, Esperanza has received numerous academic and leadership honors. Some of the honors include being named as a President's Volunteer Service Gold Award recipient, U.S. Department of State Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow, World Food Prize Foundation Borlaug Scholar, Minnesota Governor's Commendation for leadership and Bank of America Student Leader. Many of Esperanza's teachers, advisors and counselors are excited to hear she has received this well-deserved honor. "Esperanza stood out due to her commitment to excellence in all areas of her life. She is focused on improving the world around her and uses every ounce of her spare time to help others," said Ethan Young, Esperanza's Counselor. "She founded Stick With Hope in 2017 to advocate for mental health and wellness. Even when COVID disrupted her volunteering plans she found ways to serve our community and give back." "She is a motivated self-starter of a student," said Hollie Meixner, Esperanza's student council advisor. "She works hard to help her community. In student council she led by example, always thinking of underserved students while planning events." Scholars are chosen based on academic accomplishments, artistic success, leadership and involvement in their community. Esperanza will be recognized as a member of the Presidential Scholars Class of 2021 this summer during a national recognition program before attending Harvard University this fall. Congratulations Esperanza! The Department of Education's statement is available online here. This press release was produced by South Washington County Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.