BY TINA EDEN

TINAE@LHVC.COM

Kevin Wittenberg, 2010 graduate of Niwot High School, has been selected to receive one of the 141 U.S. Presidential Scholar Awards.

Wittenberg was one of 3000 students recommended for recognition. He received a perfect score of 2400 on his SAT, and has been an International Baccalaureate student. Next year he will attend Harvard’s pre-med program, majoring in biomedical engineering.

Award recipients will travel to Washington DC on June 18 where they will receive medals from President Obama. Each student is allowed to invite a teacher, and Wittenberg chose his IB English teacher, Evelyn Rodriguez, to accompany him.

Educated in St. Vrain Valley Schools since moving to Colorado as a fourth grader, Wittenberg said, “It’s great. I feel really honored.”

A male and a female high school senior from each state, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and families living abroad are chosen for the award based on outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. Wittenberg was the male award winner from Colorado. Thirty-five additional awards are given on an at-large basis and/or artistic merits.

IB coordinator Julie Webster described Kevin as, “one of the most enthusiastic, honest and sincere students,” she has ever met. “Not only is Kevin academically inclined, but ‘extra-curricular’ should be Kevin’s middle name, as he is continually involved in outside activities. He is in several service organizations, as well as forensics and knowledge bowl. His biggest impact is the many musical and theatrical performances that he’s been in, and the enthusiasm and excitement he has brought to every role. Whenever community service is involved, it seems that Kevin is always there – making a huge impact on the people around him. When his athletic prowess is added, one realizes that Kevin is one of the most well-rounded, successful students ever.”

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1351249&forum_id=1#15358866)