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Aite Seniors Tanusri Balla And Alice Schaumann Honored By White House

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Stamford Public Schools announced that Academy of Information Technology and Engineering seniors Tanusri Balla and Alice Schaumann were recently selected by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the United States Department of Education as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. 

Tanu Balla (right) and Alice Schaumann (left) were named U.S. Presidential Scholars.

Tanu Balla (right) and Alice Schaumann (left) were named U.S. Presidential Scholars.

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The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. 

“It is quite an honor to have not one but two AITE students selected for this honor. Tanu and Alice are both exceptional students who have excelled in several areas throughout their high school careers,” said AITE Principal Tina Rivera. “They are highly-respected by the faculty and their peers, not only for their academic accomplishments, but also for their leadership and character. The AITE community is extremely proud of both of them.” 

Application to the program is by invitation only. A review committee of qualified individuals experienced in secondary and post-secondary education evaluates candidates on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of his or her essay. 

Approximately 800 candidates are named semifinalists and forwarded to the Commission for further review. In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars reviews the applications of all semifinalists based on the same criteria used by the review committee. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. All scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program, held in June in Washington, D.C.

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