OKCPS student recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholar

Last Updated on July 30, 2022, 10:29 AM | Published: July 30, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — A 2022 graduate of Classen School of Advanced Studies at Northeast is one of only three presidential scholars named from the State of Oklahoma.

Aishwarya Swamidurai (on the left in the feature photo) is among only 161 students nationwide in 2022 who have received the exclusive recognition. Each year, the United States Presidential Scholars Program chooses 161 students from across the nation for the award.

She was recognized by Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister during the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting Thursday.

Each June U.S. Presidential Scholars are awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion.

Application is by invitation only. Students may not apply individually to the program, nor may their schools nominate them. A review committee forwards about 650 candidates as semifinalists from an initial pool of 4,000 to the Commission on Presidential Scholars that then chooses the 161 recipients.

“I am ecstatic. It’s such a big honor to be recognized in this way,” said Aishwarya Swamidurai. “I plan to attend Princeton University next year to major in politics or public affairs.”

OKCPS Superintendent Sean McDaniel expressed his pride in Swamidurai.

“We are very proud of Aishwarya and can’t wait to see what she does in the future,” said McDaniel in a news release. “Witnessing students like Aishwarya realize their goals and dreams is why we, as educators, do what we do.”

“Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a news release. “I join President Biden to celebrate a class of scholars whose pursuit of knowledge, generosity of spirit, and exceptional talents bring our nation tremendous pride. Throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation’s history and amid our recovery from the pandemic, our students have once again demonstrated their strength and that they have so much to contribute to our country. Thanks to them, I know America’s future is bright.”