U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings recently announced the selection of Ruchir F. Shah, of Harrington, R.I., who attends Barrington High School in Barrington, as a 2008 Presidential Scholar. Shah is one of 139 outstanding American high school seniors that have demonstrated exceptional
academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, and service at school and in their community. The Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington, D.C., from June 21 to 24.

"The 2008 Presidential Scholars shine a bright hope on the future of our country," Spellings said. "Not only have these young graduates demonstrated exemplary discipline and achievement in academics and the arts, but they have also exhibited exceptional leadership and service to their local communities. Their commitment to excellence and contributions to society reflect the character and innovation necessary to keep America both competitive economically and collaborative in overcoming challenges
within our global community."

Shah, who has served as state president and public relations chair of the Future Business Leaders of America, operates his own private business, which is focused on the production and distribution of historical comic books to schools at the elementary and secondary level. His other roles and activities
have included serving as president of the Interact Club, member of the National Honor Society and the tennis team, and tutoring at the Providence Public Library. Shah plans to attend Rice University in the fall.

The 139 Presidential Scholars include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at large and 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts. A 29-member Commission on Presidential Scholars appointed by President Bush selected the Scholars based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

For the past 44 years, this prestigious program has honored over 5,000 of the nation's top-performing students. Of the three million students expected to graduate from high school this year, over 3,000 candidates qualified on the basis of outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT
exams, or by nomination through the nationwide youngARTSâ„¢ program conducted by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

The Presidential Scholars program was created in 1964 to honor academic achievement. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts.

Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, D.C. to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events.

The teacher chosen for recognition by Shah was Patrick Sullivan, of Barrington, R.I.

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