Coral Glades High School student named U.S. Presidential Scholar

Ronald D. Laracuente honored

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Ronald D. Laracuente, Coral Glades High School senior, will travel to Washington, D.C. June 15 to receive a U.S. Presidential Scholar award, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan commended the 141 high school seniors that were recognized for their accomplishments.

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The Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence," said Duncan. "I'm honored to celebrate their creativity, hard work, and community service, and I encourage them, and all students, to continue to showcase the capacity for greatness in our nation's young people."

Laracuente's accomplishments have been noticed by others as well. He has been invited to Yale, Princeton, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, MIT and Harvard, his school of choice.

Laracuente credits his English teacher, Lisa Plass, as his most influential teacher.

"Although we were surprised and excited, this honor is well-deserved," said Plass. "He exemplifies incomparable intellect, exceptional extracurricular talent and outstanding integrity. He is bold, curious and enjoys learning for the sake of personal growth and discovery."

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars is appointed by President Obama and selects honored scholars based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

All Scholars are receiving an all expenses paid trip to the capital and will meet government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other accomplished people.

The Scholars will be awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion at the ceremony.