Two Richland One Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidates

Two Richland One students have been named candidates for the highly prestigious 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

A.C. Flora High School senior Luke Thompson and Dreher High School senior Alessandra Tuel were among 560 semifinalists across the nation invited to apply for one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Each year, up to 141 students are chosen as Presidential Scholars from among the candidates. 

Thompson is on Flora's math team and is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist with a 5.057 GPA. He also is a talented drummer and has been a member of the school’s cycling team for the last four years.

In 2012, Alessandra (or Alix) was named a S.C. Distinguished Finalist in the Prudential Spirit of the Community awards program. She also is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. In addition to taking all Advanced Placement courses at Dreher this year, she is enrolled in Japanese and mechanical engineering courses at the University of South Carolina. Alix scored a perfect 800 on the math portion of the SAT.

The Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors. Scholars are chosen based on their accomplishments in many areas including academic and artistic success, leadership and involvement in their school and community. They represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in American’s youth.

Submitted by Richland One.