HOWELL – The 53rd class of U.S. Presidential Scholars announced that Howell High School’s Lianah Sta. Ana is one of 161 high school seniors nationwide to be recognized for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.
Lianah is a member of the Fine and Performing Arts Academy at Howell High School and recently made her Broadway debut as an alternate in the lead role of Kim in “Miss Saigon.” She will receive her Presidential Scholar Medallion at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on June 18.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually 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. Of the 3.5 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,100 candidates qualified for the 2017 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, though nominations by Chief State School Officers and other partner recognition organizations, or the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™competition.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored almost 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious awards given to honorees during an annual ceremony in Washington. 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 accomplishments in career and technical education fields.
