Utah's presidential scholars named | The Salt Lake Tribune

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High school seniors Rajdeep Trilokekar of Skyline High School and Sarah Silcox of West High School have been chosen as 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholars.

Trilokekar and Silcox are among 141 American seniors selected for their academic excellence, along with other achievements and service. The students will be honored in Washington D.C. from June 22-25.

"These scholars will help move our country forward and will have a lasting impact on their families, communities, and on our society," Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a statement. "They represent the potential of all young citizens to lift up America."

Each scholar is invited to name his or her most influential teacher. Trilokekar chose Adella Croft at Skyline High School and Silcox named Melissa Anderson at West High School.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects the students based on academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

More than 3,900 high school seniors from across the country initially qualified for the 2014 awards, determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams and nominations by qualified groups.

Six Utah students were chosen as semifinalists. The other four in the group with Trilokekar and Silcox were Park City High School's Zachary R. Laufer of Park City; Judge Memorial High School's Allyson I. Dugan of Salt Lake City; The Waterford School's Maxwell Xiong of Sandy; and West High School's Mirae L. Parker of Tooele.