San Diego, El Cajon Students Honored as U.S. Presidential Scholars

The program has honored almost 7,000 students since it was created in 1964.

One El Cajon student and one San Diego student were selected to be among the 2015 class of U.S. Presidential Scholars announced Monday by the Department of Education.

US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the 141 high school seniors who were recognized for their accomplishments in academics or the arts.

San Diegan Melinda Wang of Torrey Pines High School and Shayan Afshar, of El Cajon, a student at Granite Hills High School, were both honored.

Zakia Chowdhury, an Encinitas teacher, and Alexandra Grant, an El Cajon teacher, were both chosen as their Most Influential Teachers for 2015.

"Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence," Duncan said in a statement.

Appointed by President Barack Obama, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored students each year based on their academic success, artistic excellence and transcripts, as well as community service, leadership, and commitment to high ideals.

The program has honored almost 7,000 students since it was created in 1964.

The honorees will be awarded during the annual ceremony in D.C. The 2015 ceremony will be held June 21, when each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medal. 

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