Summer school begins Monday, July 8
Albany High School senior Ondia Logan is on the short list of nominees for the 2019 Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Some 161 Presidential Scholars are chosen each year from among 3 million high school seniors throughout the country – at least one young woman and one young man from every state.
Logan was recommended for the program by Assemblymember John McDonald and nominated by State Education Department Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, the New York State Education Department announced on Dec. 19.
“Ondia’s dedication to her community and education is respected and this honor, in my opinion, is one of many to follow. Thank you to Commissioner Elia and the Regents for their continued efforts to shine a light on these bright stars throughout New York State,” McDonald said.
An honor student at Albany High, Logan is a member of National Honor Society, Best Buddies and the Unified Basketball Team. She also sits on the Superintendent’s Roundtable, plays clarinet in symphonic band and is a member of the Black and Latino Achievers program. In addition, she tutors elementary-school students and works 25 hours a week as a crew member at Dibella’s Subs.
“Ondia’s commitment to her education and to the people in our community make her an extremely worthy candidate for this honor. I fully expect great things from her,” said City School District of Albany Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams.
Albany High was one of two Capital Region schools with a 2019 nominee. Logan now must complete an application for the next stage of the program.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars will announce semifinalists in mid-April and scholars in May. Students chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars receive a trip to Washington, D.C. in June and the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.
Established in 1964 by executive order of the President, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program further was expanded to recognize student excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
The mission of the City School District of Albany is to educate and prepare all students for college and career, citizenship and life, in partnership with our diverse community. The district serves approximately 9,500 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.
