Albany High School senior Max Heller was among the short list of nominees for the 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars program that the New York State Department of Education released Nov. 30.
Out of all high school seniors across New York State, only 25 had the honor of being nominated for this highly prestigious award. Of those, 20 students were selected for their outstanding work in academics and the arts, and five for their success in career and technical education programs.
Heller was among those nominated in the academic and arts category. Assemblymember Patricia Fahy nominated him for this distinction.
“What Max has accomplished at such a young age is truly remarkable, including completion of 13 Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, and serving as captain of the track and cross-country teams,” Fahy said.
“He has done all this while maintaining a 99.76 percent average, and earning the top academic ranking in his class entering senior year. I am confident his hard work will continue to lead to success, and congratulate him on his nomination.”
Each year two students from every state, one young man and one young woman, are selected as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Through his hard work and dedication, Heller is now in contention to receive this honor.
Albany High was one of only three schools in the Capital Region to have a 2018 nominee.
The mission of the City School District of Albany is is to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The district serves nearly 9,700 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.