Tennessee's Presidential Scholars are Both USN Students

In June Ian Ball and Lauren Coleman will be honored in Washington, D.C., and each will be accompanied on the trip by his or her "most inspiring and challenging teacher." They chose French teacher Richard Espenant and English teacher and debate coach Thom O'Rourke.

Both Ian and Lauren came to USN in kindergarten, and they have been stellar students ever since. But both have interests well beyond the classroom. Ian is co-captain of the soccer team and captain of the debate team. Throughout his high school years, he has been a lower school aide, giving advanced math instruction to a group of fourth graders. The editor of USN's literary magazine The Gallery, Lauren is co-chair of USN's Edgehill Community Center tutoring program.  Next year Lauren will attend Princeton University; Ian will attend Stanford University. 

From the Department of Education press release: "The 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars appointed by the President selected the scholars based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals."