A Harmony School of Innovation - Sugar Land senior, Anjali Agrawal has been named one of more than 4,000 candidates in the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2022.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities. Agrawal scored 1590 on her SAT and is heavily involved in extracurricular activities. She founded the Stop Canned Food Organization to educate the public about the harmful health effects of consuming canned food and promote alternatives. Agrawal is also the Vice-President of Technology Student Association (TSA) and Secretary of HOSA - Future Health Professionals at Harmony School of Fine Arts & Technology and is a member of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society.

"Being named a Presidential Scholar Candidate encourages me to value hard work, perseverance, and self-confidence. These are values that will stick with me for the rest of my life. When I learned of this nomination, the first person I thought of informing was my sister. My sister, who always cheers me, reminds me that this nomination would not be possible without her support. Just like how my sister championed me, I would like to return this same support to my community and champion our society," said Harmony School of Innovation senior Anjali Agrawal.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by the Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. If circumstances permit all Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program, featuring various events and enrichment activities and culminating in the presentation of the Presidential Scholars Medallion during a White House-sponsored ceremony.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

If circumstances permit, scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities.

Harmony Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year for both students and team members.