Oxford High School senior Andrew Stein was selected last Wednesday as one of the 139 students nationwide to be named a 2008 Presidential Scholar.
The Presidential Scholars include one young man and woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad.
A 29-member Commission on Presidential Scholars selected the students based on their academic success, artistic excellence, community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Stein, a 4.0 student, scored a perfect 2,400 score on his SAT last May and is planning on attending Harvard University this fall to study biomedical engineering.
He’s a member of the OHS Robotics Team, Varsity track team, Varsity the cross country team, Quiz Bowl, and the National Honor Society.
Stein, 18, said he was ‘very surprised? he received this award given the many deserving candidates and that he feels truly honored to have earned a place among them.
‘I am extremely thrilled to have this once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet some of our nation’s leaders as well as the other award winners,? he said. ‘I am grateful, also, to have the opportunity to honor a deserving teacher and bring some recognition to Oxford, a community that has helped me so much.?
Each Scholar will be able to bring his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to D.C. to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education. Stein had many great influences to choose from, and decided to take teacher Brian Agar.
‘Mr. Agar has gone above and beyond anything I could have expected in his roles as my chemistry teacher, Quiz Bowl coach, and overall mentor,? Stein said. ‘I feel that he is one of the people who has influenced my high school career the most.?
The students selected will receive the Presidential Scholars medallion in a ceremony sponsored by the White House during National Recognition Week in Washington D.C. June 21-24.