Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, WE-Sag Harbor) announced that one of students he recommended has been chosen by State Education Department Commissioner Elia to be part of the twenty five New York State high school seniors nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Ms. Mariah Whittschack of Eastport South Manor Junior-Senior High School was the CTE Candidate nominee.

The Presidential Scholars Program was established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and recognizes high school seniors on the basis of outstanding scholarship. This recognition is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Commissioner Elia has nominated twenty high school seniors – ten females and ten males – and five students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs from New York to be considered for this honor.

Assemblyman Thiele stated, “I am thrilled that Commissioner Elia has chosen one of my local students to be part of the twenty five New York State high school seniors nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program! Ms. Mariah Whittschack is an exceptional student who stands out as having academic success, leadership qualities, and extraordinary personal achievements. I am proud to represent this fine young woman in the First Assembly District and wish Mariah luck as she moves to the next level in this notable competition.”

Students chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholar Finalists will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June 2018 and will be presented with the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program and the Commission on Presidential Scholars please visit: www.ed.gov/psp.