Milton Academy senior, Miriam Lawrence, was recently named a 2002 Presidential Scholar. A Presidential Scholar is one of the Nation's highest honors for high school students. Identified through the National Foundation For The Advancement in the Arts' ARTS Program for her creative writing and poetry, Miriam was one of 50 ARTS students nominated for the Presidential Scholar program of which 20 were chosen as scholars. Each year, 141 students from across the nation are named Presidential Scholars.

As a Presidential Scholar, Miriam was asked to identify an educator who most influenced her. Miriam named Jim Connolly of the English department. Jim will be honored at a special reception and presented with the Teacher Recognition Award.

Miriam will travel to Washington D.C. in June to take part in National Recognition Week, during which all scholars are honored for their accomplishments. Presidential Scholars are enjoy an expense paid trip to Washington, DC, to meet with government officials, educators, authors, musicians and scientists. During the week, scholars visit museums and monuments, and attend recitals, receptions and ceremonies. To commemorate her achievement, Miriam will be awarded the Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.