West Chester Area School District Student Semi-Finalist

WEST CHESTER, PA ─ Saanvi Bhatia, a graduating senior at West Chester East High School, has been named one of 628 semifinalists in the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The semifinalists were selected from over 5,000 students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2023.

“I am so grateful for this honor,” Bhatia said. “I want to thank all the teachers, family, friends, and everyone else who have helped me get to where I am now. I sincerely appreciate all of you.”

Bhatia is the daughter of Sumedha Malhotra Bhatia and Neeraj Bhatia. She plans to attend Stanford University following graduation this June.

Principal Stephen Brown noted that Bhatia was a National Merit Finalist, spent two years coordinating our House of Hope Concert, and served as a coach and leadership coordinator for the Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center.

She also worked on the district’s comprehensive planning committee and was the 2023 class secretary.

“Earning a spot as a Presidential Scholars semifinalist exemplifies who Saanvi is as a young lady,” Brown said. “We are very proud of her and look forward to her continued successes in college next year.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors that a graduating senior can achieve.

Scholars are selected based on their accomplishments in many areas—academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character, and involvement in school and the community.

The program was established in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize the nation's most distinguished graduating seniors.