Wilton Student Named U.S. Presidential Scholar

WILTON, CT — A local student was selected Friday for one of the nation's highest academic honors for high school students. Wilton High School senior Jackson Walker was among the 161 students selected for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields, the U.S. Department of Education announced Friday. Kristen Richichi of New Fairfield High School and William Yin of Greenwich High School were the other two students from Connecticut selected for the honor.

"I congratulate this year's class of Presidential Scholars for their devotion to academic excellence and their parents and teachers who have guided them along the way,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a statement. “Today's Presidential Scholars are tomorrow's leaders, and I am confident they will continue to be shining examples as they enter the next phase of their academic careers.”

Scholars are selected based on "academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals," according to the announcement.

More than 5,100 candidates qualified for the 2017 awards based on the College Board SAT and ACT exams. Each scholar will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion at a ceremony on June 18.

The complete list can be viewed here.

Patch file photo