Council Rock Alum, Presidential Scholar Honored By Area Lawmakers

NEWTOWN, PA — Area lawmakers joined forces Saturday to celebrate the achievements of Richard Su Fang, a 2021 graduate of Council Rock High School North who was one of just three students from Pennsylvania honored as U.S. Presidential Scholars this year.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, state Rep. Perry Warren and Newtown Borough Council President Tara Grunde-McLaughlin held a small ceremony Saturday in Newtown to honor Fang, who served as vice president of his senior class and was captain for the debate and tennis teams, according to a report by Jeff Werner of Bucks Local News.

Santarsiero and Warren presented Fang with official citations to mark his accomplishment and status as a U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Fang was one of 161 students across the country to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar. He is set to attend the University of Pittsburgh.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of the country’s “most distinguished” graduating high school students.

The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who “demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts” and again in 2015 to honor students who show “ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.”

"The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said earlier this year. "I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams."