McLean's Emma Cox Selected As 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar

MCLEAN, VA — A high school senior from McLean was selected as a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar, an elite group of 161 high school seniors honored for their academic success and work in the community.

Emma Cox, who attends Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology and will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall, was the only 2023 recipient of the honor from McLean and one of only five Presidential Scholars from Virginia.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

“U.S. Presidential Scholars have always represented the future of our country and the bright promise it holds,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement this week. “I want each of these remarkable students to know: your passion and intellect, pursuit of excellence, and spirit of service are exactly what our country needs.”

The Presidential Scholar program dates back to 1964 and has honored about 7,900 students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students in the visual, literary and performing arts and 2015 to students in career and technical education.

Each U.S. Presidential Scholar is given the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each teacher is then honored with a personal letter from the U.S. Secretary of Education. The teacher chosen for recognition by Cox was Aubrie Holman of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology.

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

The other 2023 Presidential Scholars from Virginia were Mira Iris Kim and Teja Koduru, both from Fairfax and seniors at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology; Emily Ocasio, a student from Falls Church who attends New School Northern Virginia; and Mayra Rios, a Vienna resident who attends James Madison High School.