Lindbergh High School senior Tiffany Lee is one of two Missouri students and 141 students nationwide to be named a 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the 49th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars on May 6, recognizing seniors for their accomplishments in academics or the arts.
“Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence,” Duncan stated in a news release. “I’m honored to celebrate their creativity, hard work, and community service, and I encourage them — and all students — to continue to showcase the capacity for greatness in our nation’s young people.”
Lee has been a shining example of success at LHS, according to the release. The International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate earned a perfect score on both the ACT and SAT, and most recently was named a National Merit Scholarship winner.
Lee, 16, daughter of Frank and Elaine Lee of Sunset Hills, is enrolled in Lindbergh’s Program for Exceptionally Gifted Students. Besides her academic achievements, she is co-president of the Math Club; participates in National Honor Society, Link Crew, Science Olympiad and DECA; and is a section leader for clarinets in the Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band.
Lee also is the founder and president of the LHS UNICEF Club, which recently raised more than $1,000 to help build a well in Africa, and is an active leader in her church.
Of the 3 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 3,300 candidates qualified for the 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers or the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts competition.
The 2013 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 from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 6,000 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in D.C. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. The 2013 ceremony will be June 16 in Washington, D.C., when each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion from President Barack Obama.
