North Allegheny senior named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar

A North Allegheny senior was named as one of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, an honor that recognizes students across the country for their accomplishments throughout high school.

Aneri Shethji, of Sewickley, is now one of 161 high school seniors to receive the honor, announced Thursday, which is given for success in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields. One other Pennsylvania student, Prithvi Vijay Narayanan of State College Area High School, was also recognized.

“The 161 high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others and embrace opportunities to lead.”

A North Allegheny spokesperson did not respond to messages seeking comment.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was first established in 1964 through an executive order to recognize and honor “some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors,” according to the U.S. Department of Education website. The program has since been extended twice, once in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts and again in 2015 to showcase students showing ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

Each year, up to 161 students — two from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. families living abroad — are named as Presidential Scholars. They are chosen by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

And of the 3.7 million students who are expected to graduate from high school this spring, more than 5,700 qualified for the 2024 awards based on “outstanding performance” on the SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized through an online program this summer.