Grand Canyon Times

State schools chief Tom Horne has expressed his admiration for the achievements of three Arizona high school students who were recently named as 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

The scholars are Sruti Peddi of Fountain Hills, who attends BASIS Charter in Scottsdale; Matteo N. Huish, a student at BASIS Charter in Mesa; and Vivian M. Saavedra, a student at Scottsdale Chaparral High School.

Horne stated, “These three students represent the best of what Arizona’s public schools offer. They have committed themselves to the pursuit of academic excellence, and their hard work has paid off by attaining the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholarship.”

He continued, “This is Teacher Appreciation Week, and the accomplishments of these students remind us of the value of great teachers. Every educator who had a role in influencing these scholars deserves a great deal of praise.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 and has since honored more than 8,000 top-performing students across the nation. The program expanded its recognition criteria in 1979 to include performance in visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, it further extended its recognition to students excelling in career and technical education fields.

For more information about this program, visit www.ed.gov/psp.