Senior named Presidential Scholar Semifinalist

Senior Anna Rahner has been named a semifinalist in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, landing her among the top 0.0002% of graduating seniors in the United States.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 57th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and service to school and community. From nearly 3.6 million graduating high school seniors, approximately 6,500 students were identified as candidates for the program and invited to apply. Anna is one of 625 semifinalists.

Latin teacher, Mr. Paul Romolo, said, “Anna is a truly remarkable young woman, dedicated to tireless growth in all areas of her life. She's uniquely aware of her gifts and goals, and endeavors to bring them into alignment. Anna doesn't shy away from a challenge, and her willingness to do the work and get better every day influences everyone around her to do the same. She demands excellence of herself and her classmates, and everyone rises to the occasion. She's a relentless force for good in the classroom."

Anna is a National Merit Finalist and valedictorian of the McNicholas Class of 2021. She received a Suma Cum Laude Gold Medal on the National Latin Exam for four years, including a perfect score in 2018, and Silver Medal for three years on the National French Exam.

In addition to her successes in the classroom, Anna is an accomplished ballet dancer and cellist. She also a Student Council leader, an officer of Rockets for Life, and an active member of the St. Joseph Scholars.

Mr. Romolo added, “I'm particularly proud of the way she's used opportunities outside of the classroom to grow into a mature, well-rounded version of herself. I'm glad McNick was able to offer her the safe spaces she needed for that personal growth, in addition to the academic side.”

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the 161 finalists, and the Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

“I'm particularly proud of the way she's used opportunities outside of the classroom to grow into a mature, well-rounded version of herself. I'm glad McNick was able to offer her the safe spaces she needed for that personal growth, in addition to the academic side.”

Mr. Paul Romolo