Two Stafford students U-S Presidential Scholar nominees

From Stafford County Schools:

Stafford County Public Schools has swept the Region III nominations for U.S. Department of Education’s Presidential Scholars program. Angelene Daganzo and Adam Ahmed, both seniors at Colonial Forge High School, were selected for candidacy based on exceptional SAT/ACT scores, written essays and self-assessments, school reports, and transcripts. Both students demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay.

Ahmed is the senior class president and served last year as class reporter. He is also the Parliamentarian of the Future Business Leaders of America. He is actively involved with church and food scarcity projects, a member of the Muslim Student Association, and involved with Habitat for Humanity. Ahmed is a varsity football and lacrosse player who plans to attend college and major in Biology.

Daganzo is JROTC Battalion Commander and previously served as its adjutant, drill team captain, and company First Sergeant. Daganzo has earned prominent recognition in these roles from the U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association, Secretary of the Army, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Red Cross Club, and Asian Heritage Club who volunteers at the senior citizen center and local library. Daganzo plans to participate in ROTC and pursue a degree in international relations before commissioning in the military with hopes of entering the intelligence field.

Each year, up to 161 students are named U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the Nation’s highest honors for high school students. The Scholars represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. In honoring the U.S. Presidential Scholars, the President of the United States symbolically honors all graduating high school seniors of high potential.

In late March, approximately 500 semifinalists are chosen by an independent, national committee of educators convened by the Commission on Presidential Scholars. Six to twenty semifinalists are identified for each state/jurisdiction by the review committee. The number of semifinalists identified per state/jurisdiction is based on a proportionate number of test takers for that state.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor distinguished graduating high school seniors. The names of the 2024 Candidates were posted in January, while Semifinalists will be selected in mid-April. The 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be identified in early May.

Photos courtesy Stafford County Schools