Deer Park High School senior Calvin Nguyen was one of only four Long Island students and 25 statewide nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program by the state Education Department.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars annually chooses students for this invitation-only honor based on factors such as academic success, artistic excellence and community service. Selected scholars will receive a medallion in June. In his application, Nguyen prepared personal essays on such topics as a person who is significant to him, describing a challenge he faced and how he overcame it, and what he would do to change the world.  

An AP Scholar with Distinction, Nguyen, is Deer Park High School’s president of Science Honor Society, vice president of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, STEM Club coding leader, co-captain of the Science Olympiad team and a member of DECA. He was selected as homecoming royalty at the school’s October 2023 homecoming and will be the Class of 2024 salutatorian at graduation in June, Outside of school, Nguyen serves as director of altar service and money collection for his church.

“A student like me, who dedicates themselves to academic excellence but also values and champions commitment to serving others and their community, who cares about the wellbeing of others around them, I feel like those types of people are deserving of this nomination,” Nguyen said. 

Date Added: 3/5/2024