A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts Seniors Honored as 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars along with two teachers who have been honored as 2022 Distinguished Teachers.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced May 12th, 2022, the 58^th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields, including two students from A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts (DSOA) in West Palm Beach, FL.

Miles Wang and Kailey Worontsoff, of DSOA, will be recognized this summer for their outstanding scholastic achievement with an online recognition program. Miles Wang will be headed to Harvard to study Economics and Applied Mathematics, and Kailey Worontsoff will be going to The Juilliard School for a BFA in Dance. Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,000 candidates qualified for the 2022 awards determined by their outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations such as YoungArts, and the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.

"Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "Today, I join President Biden to celebrate a class of scholars whose pursuit of knowledge, generosity of spirit, and exceptional talents bring our nation tremendous pride. Throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation's history and amid our recovery from the pandemic, our students have once again demonstrated their strength and that they have so much to contribute to our country. Thanks to them, I know America's future is bright."

“Our students are incredibly talented and driven! Even during the struggles of COVID-19 they pivoted and continued to strive for success at such incredible levels. Dreyfoos School of the Arts is incredibly honored to have two such hard working and deserving students recognized for this honor,” said Dreyfoos School of the Arts Principal Blake Bennett.

The Dreyfoos School of the Arts teachers who have been awarded the honor of 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program’s Distinguished Teachers include, Ms. Angela Anyzeski for Debate by nominating Scholar Miles Wang and Ms. Heather Lescaille for dance by nominating scholar Kailey Worontsoff.

"This year has truly been remarkable for Miles Wang - but it is no surprise, since he is a remarkable young man, one who has impressed me since he first stepped foot onto our campus!” stated Angela Anyzeski. “He is a gifted speaker, formidable debater, and critical thinker. As he heads to Harvard in the fall, Miles leaves an impressive legacy at Dreyfoos: he is currently the Captain of and has spent three years as part of the USA Debate Team, has been awarded coveted scholarships from Kovner, Coca Cola and George Snow, was selected for the US Senate Youth Program, is President of both the Speech and Debate Team and ARTS Club, and is salutatorian of the class of 2022. On top of all of his accomplishments, he is also incredibly thoughtful, respectful, and kind. I am certain he will have a notable impact on the world and we will see much more from Miles as he undertakes future endeavors.”

"Kailey has not only been an exemplary student, she is an incredible young woman,” said Heather Lescaille, “Her undeniable talent as a versatile dancer is a true testament to the hard work and dedication she has put into her craft. Kailey has been such a joy to work with and I am so proud of her accomplishments. I have no doubt in her ability to succeed in future endeavors."

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,900 of the nation's top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2022 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

A complete list of 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.