Presidential Scholar Honor For Freehold Twp. High School Student

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Camryn Bartone, a senior in the Freehold Regional High School District, is receiving recognition in lots of places lately as she prepares to graduate and attend college in the fall.

She was named a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar, and was featured in the regional district website for the honor.

And recently, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners recognized her achievement.

“Camryn was one of only six New Jersey students to earn this award. How incredible is that?” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, who presented the Certificate of Recognition to Bartone on June 8.

“This is our future. This is what we are doing in Monmouth County. Our schools across the county are why so many people live, work and play here," Licitra said.

Bartone, 17, will be 18 in September, she said. And she said she has plans to study business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

She was a top-achieving student in the Global Studies Magnet Program at Freehold Township High School, the regional district noted.

And the Howell resident said the program "gave me good skills" she will put to use in her studies at college.

Bartone has been a top achiever for a long time.

"I've been a competitive dancer since I was three," she said. She was also captain of the cheerleading team.

Freehold Regional gave more insight into Bartone's work ethic:

"Camryn has showcased her leadership, organizational, and critical thinking skills daily. Her teachers have praised the tenacity and strength that she has exhibited throughout high school. She is a remarkable person and is truly deserving of the U.S. Presidential Scholar honor," her school said. It also noted she is an important member of the Lead for Diversity (LFD) Program.

And Gov. Murphy weighed in on the Presidential Scholars, too.

Murphy congratulated all six New Jersey scholars on Twitter. “You all have a bright future ahead, no matter what path you take,” Murphy said on Twitter.

The other New Jersey Presidential Scholars are:

• Sebastián N. Anderson, Ho-Ho-Kus - Northern Highlands Regional High School
• Katherine Chen, Mountain Lakes - Mountain Lakes High School
• Ian Liu, Cedar Knolls - Packer Collegiate Institute
• Andrew C. Noviello, Bridgewater - Lawrenceville School
• Christopher Y. Shin, Cherry Hill - Cherry Hill High School East

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 59th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually using these and other measures, such as essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership, the department said.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars is a group of "eminent private citizens appointed by the President to select and honor the Presidential Scholars." Commissioners are selected from across the country, representing the fields of education, medicine, law, social services, business, and other professions, the department said.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 8,000 of the nation's top-performing students. 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 ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

A complete list of 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.