Mount Carmel School senior named 2021 US Presidential Scholar

MOUNT Carmel School senior student Victoria Nicole Maniego Santos has been named a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona announced on Thursday.

Santos is one of 161 outstanding American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community, the U.S. Department of Education said in a statement.

“The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times,” said Cardona.

“I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams,” he added.

In his letter to Santos, the Education secretary said:

"I am thrilled to congratulate you on being named a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar! You are a member of the 57th class of Presidential Scholar honorees. Only 161 students from across the country are named U.S. Presidential Scholars each year.

“President Joe Biden has said, ‘Let us help all of our students to love learning; seek lives of dignity, decency, and respect; and work together for the common good.’ As an honoree of the 2021 class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, you embody this worthy goal. You study hard, challenge yourself every day, exude a love for learning, and give back to your community. These qualities are exceptional; even more so given the challenges faced during the global pandemic."

Cardona encouraged Santos "to celebrate this well-deserved prestigious recognition with your family, friends, and community. Your country is proud of your accomplishments and perseverance. Moments such as this bring us together, make us stronger as a Nation and get us excited for the future. You have succeeded a great deal during your academic school career. We are excited to see what more you will accomplish in the future.”

Santos is daughter of Ferdinand and Imelda Santos of Saipan.

In a statement, the parents said: "Words can’t express how happy we are when our daughter informed us about the great news that she is one of the 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars for 2021. We are so proud of her achievement as we believe that this is the first time for Saipan, CNMI.  Congratulations Nicole on your achievement!  It may be tough, but you never run away from taking the challenges. This is your reward for all the hard work you put in it. Keep up the good work and remember that sky is the limit to your achievements."

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 evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 6,000 candidates qualified for the 2021 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts program.

Since 1983, each U.S. Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education. The teacher chosen for recognition by Santos was MCS president Galvin Deleon Guerrero.