May 6, 2021

Senior named Presidential Scholars semifinalist 

An Upper St. Clair High School senior was recently named a Semifinalist for the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars. Sophia Shi is among approximately 625 Semifinalists who were selected from a pool of nearly 6,500 candidates.

View the complete list of 2021 Semifinalists

“It is a great honor and an exceptional accomplishment to have reached the semifinalist phase in this highly selective and prestigious program,” said Simone Olson, executive director of the U.S. Scholars Program.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by the executive order of the President, to recognize and honor the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected based on their accomplishments in many areas – academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character and involvement in school and the community.

The Semifinalists were selected by a panel of educators. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of 32 eminent citizens appointed by the president, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars later this month. The Presidential Scholars Class of 2021 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer.

In addition to being named a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Semifinalist, Sophia was recently recognized as a James Collins Scholar Athlete award winner for 2021 by the WPIAL. Earlier this spring, she was named an Academic All-American by the National Speech & Debate Association. She is a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar.

Sophia is involved in extracurricular activities at Upper St. Clair High School including Speech & Debate, National Honor Society, cross country as well as track and field teams. She plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania and enroll in the Vagelos Life Sciences and Management program.