MPS student wins nation’s highest honor for graduating seniors
Reagan's Alethia Tilford just one of 141 in the U.S., 2 in Wisconsin
Alethia Tilford
MILWAUKEE (May 4, 2015) – Alethia Tilford, a senior at Milwaukee Public Schools‘ Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School, has been named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, the Department of Education announced Monday.
Only 141 students from around the country earned the award, which is considered the nation’s highest honor for graduating high school seniors.
Alethia is one of only two winners from Wisconsin and the only winner from the Milwaukee area. She listed teacher Stacy Knetter as the most influential teacher in her educational career. The other Wisconsin winner is Nicholas Ngo, of De Pere High School.
MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver joins Reagan Principal Mike Roemer and the MPS family in congratulating Alethia on this recognition.
Of the nation’s 3.3 million graduating seniors, only about 4,300 candidates qualified for the 2015 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers or the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts competition.
Candidates were invited to complete an application that includes essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports and transcripts and an independent national committee of educators selected the semifinalists.
Alethia was one of 565 students named a semifinalist in April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars selected the 141 winners from that group.
Winning students will travel to Washington, D.C. in June and each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Public Schools
Families invited to MPS Community Showcase at Douglas School on April 24
Apr 10th, 2024 by Milwaukee Public SchoolsLearn About Schools in 53206 ZIP Code, Apply for Jobs, Enjoy Activities
Registration opens March 4 for MPS Summer Academy
Mar 1st, 2024 by Milwaukee Public SchoolsSummer Classes and Activities to Inspire Learning Take Place in June and July at Select Schools around Milwaukee
M-Cubed Announces Milwaukee Direct Admit Program to Increase College Access
Jan 25th, 2024 by Milwaukee Public SchoolsMPS students will be able to apply to both MATC and UWM through one online form at no cost
Congratulations Alethia