All About Yu: RHS Cellist Makes Final Cut as a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar
It is all about Yu.
Rye High School senior and Julliard cellist Sean Yu is one of only 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars for 2022. Further, Yu is one of only 20 scholars selected for achievement in the arts.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today announced the selection. The 161 American high school seniors have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community.
“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.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
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 outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.
Since 1983, each U.S. Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education. The teacher chosen for recognition by Yu was cello teacher Minhye Clara Kim of The Juilliard School in New York City.
The Presidential Scholars Class of 2022 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.
