PETERBOROUGH — Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and Principal Heather McKillop are pleased to announce that a ConVal Regional High School senior has been nominated as a U.S. Presidential Scholar.
Aria Frehner, of Hancock, is one of more than 100 students nominated in the state this year to represent New Hampshire as a nominee.
“Aria is an exemplary student who has shown a strong commitment to her education,” Principal McKillop said. “We are thrilled to see her nominated for this top honor and could not be prouder of her for this accomplishment.”
The U.S. Presidential Scholars program was created 1964 to recognize some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts, and again in 2015 to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
She is one of 4,500 candidates up for this esteemed recognition this year. Each year, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes a maximum of 161 of the country’s most exceptional students.
Fehner is a top member of her class, taking several honors and AP courses at ConVal Regional High School. She is a member of the German Club and National Honor Society, and has taken part in several plays and musicals over the last four years. Outside of school, she participates in dance, choir and other theater productions. After high school, Frehner plans to double major in environmental studies and dance, and hopes to eventually get a masters in entomology so she can focus on helping pollinators during the climate crisis.
“Being nominated for the Presidential Scholars Program was a big surprise, but I am very honored,” Frehner said. “Even if I don’t make the final cut, I am proud of my accomplishments and thankful to everyone who helped me get here.”
“Aria has proven to have an incredible drive and talent during her time in the district,” Superintendent Rizzo Saunders said. “We congratulate her on this well-deserved nomination and are thrilled to see her hard work recognized.”
The semifinalists and 2021 Presidential Scholars will be announced later this school year. More information on the program can be found here.
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