Olentangy Berlin senior one of just two Ohio students named a U.S. Presidential Scholar
Olentangy Berlin High School senior Annabella Burton Boone was one of 161 students nationwide and two in Ohio recognized as a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar, honoring her for academic achievements.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students based on academic success, excellence in the arts and technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Education.
Burton Boone told The Dispatch that she will be attending Harvard University after taking a gap year to work in Washington D.C, this fall, in Puerto Rico in January, and in San Francisco in the spring. While she isn't certain what she wants to do as a career, she said she feels "a sense of responsibility to do something valuable with this opportunity." She said she has interests in environmental science, linguistics and public policy, and said she hopes to help make a difference against climate change.
"No matter what, I'm excited to work alongside others toward a better future," Burton Boone said.
Olentangy Berlin Principal Todd Spinner said Burton Boone "is an involved, dedicated, kind, and passionate person, and truly deserving of this prestigious recognition."
"She leads by example, serves others, and truly loves to learn," Spinner said.
Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said Burton Boone and other winners "represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country."
"I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead," Cardona said.
Burton Boone said she was "thrilled to be in the running, let alone being chosen" and is grateful to her family and educators for supporting her.
Chardon Javar Black Jr., from John Hay High School in Cleveland, was the other Ohio winner.
The Department of Education also recognized Berlin High School English teacher Michelle Mimna as a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Distinguished Teacher. Mimna, whom Burton Boone nominated, is also among 161 educators recognized for their “extraordinary impact on the community through the integration of ambitious scholarship and dynamic student engagement.”
Burton Boone said that while she felt isolated during the pandemic, Mimna's AP English class showed her a new appreciation for learning.
"Every day when I stepped foot into her class, it was like colors became brighter," Burton Boone said.
Spinner said Mimna is "a leader for staff and students as a department chair, a coach, and a senior class advisor."
"Mimna is a special kind of teacher that gets the best out of her students by using strategic encouragement while challenging them to reach their potential," Spinner said.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 and has honored more than 8,200 of the nation’s top-performing students, according to the release. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts and in 2015, it was again extended to recognize student accomplishments in career and technical education fields.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Olentangy Berlin senior named a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar
