Three South Carolina Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholars

Columbia, S.C. - U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced the 58th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars are composed of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.

2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars - South Carolina

  • Anna M. Brown, Beaufort County School District - Beaufort High School

  • Nyah Joudeh, Greenville County Schools - Riverside High School

  • William Maxwell Booker - Spartanburg School District 7 - Spartanburg High School

“Anna Brown is well-deserving of this prestigious honor of being selected as a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar,” said Charity Summers, Beaufort High School principal. “Her hard work and dedication in her scholastic achievement has paid off for her through numerous recognitions and awards, but Anna’s academic achievements are not the only defining positive characteristic that she possesses. She has exemplary character, is an excellent athlete, and a wonderful person. I am so proud of her!”

Riverside High School principal Darah Huffman stated, “Nyah truly is the epitome of a Riverside High School student. Not only is she reaching higher standards in the classroom; she tasks herself to be the best in all of her avenues. Her empathy for others is inspiring as she is steadily seeking ways to better her community. This amazing recognition serves as a reflection of Nyah’s commitment to her values, but it is merely a step in her lifelong quest of academia and medical service. We are honored to have Nyah as a student and future alumna of Riverside High School.”

“Today, our Spartanburg High School Viking community stands a bit taller and shines a bit brighter because Maxwell Booker’s accomplishments reflect the collective investment and impact of our school, our district and our community,” said Dr. Vance Jones, Spartanburg High School principal. “As the first African American student from Spartanburg School District Seven to be named a United States Presidential Scholar, Maxwell is an example and inspiration for all children in our community.”

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 a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,900 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2022 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

Additional information on the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program can be found here.


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