Kingwood High School senior Rachel Neha Shaw is among 29 students selected as a semifinalist to represent the State of Texas in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which recognizes the academic excellence of the nation’s top high school seniors.
The program, established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President, is by invitation only. Candidates must earn a nearly perfect score on the SAT or ACT in order to be invited. The distinction is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
The selection of approximately 4,000 candidates from across the country is based on SAT and ACT scores. A review committee also looks at academic achievements, leadership, and community service activities, along with an analysis of the student’s essay.
“I feel immensely blessed and humbled to have been selected to participate in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program as a semifinalist representing Humble ISD and the state of Texas,” Shaw said.
Shaw, who is ranked fourth in her graduating class at Kingwood High School, gives credit to the supportive learning environment Humble ISD provides for her success. “I am thankful to Kingwood High School’s administration and the many teachers who have prepared me for college,” she said.
Shaw is the founder and editor of the Kingwood High School Mustang Monthly news site. She has also served as a class officer for four years. Shaw participates in chamber orchestra and the speech and debate team. She will be attending Duke University in the fall and plans to major in biochemistry with the goal of working as a physician in global health.
Prior to Kingwood High School, Shaw attended Willow Creek Elementary and Riverwood Middle School.
Dr. Michael Nasra, Kingwood High School Principal, says Shaw deserves the recognition for all of her hard work and dedication.
“Neha is recognized as one of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school students and deserves everything she has earned,” Dr. Nasra said.
In years past, scholars have had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet the president, distinguished guests, as well as other Presidential Scholars.
The program prides itself on selecting students from all walks of life. Past Presidential Scholars have become professors, doctors, judges, and more.