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Ashley Paseka Named 2007 Presidential Scholar
by Kevin Behne
May 22, 2008
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced the selection of Ashley R. Paseka, of Prague, Nebraska, who attends Prague High School in Prague, as a 2007 Presidential Scholar.
Paseka is one of 141 outstanding American high school seniors that have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, and service at school and in their community. The Presidential Scholars were honored for their accomplishments in Washington, D.C., from June 23 to 27.
“The 2007 Presidential Scholars represent the great gift we have in our nation’s youth,” Spelling said. “Their academic achievement and their spirit of leadership and service will ensure their success in the 21st century knowledge economy. They exemplify the standard of excellence that we are striving for in all our schools across the United States, and their skills, energy and innovation will enable America to set a competitive pace in our changing world.”
Paseka is a member of the academic honors program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is planning to work toward a pharmacy degree. She is the recipient of the U.S. Math Award and has served as the student government class secretary since 2003. She is a strong musician in voice and clarinet and has held spots on the Wayne State Honor Band and the All States band. She is a Nebraska School Activities Association Academic All-State recipient and a member of the volleyball and basketball teams.
The 141 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. A 27-member Commission on Presidential Scholars appointed by President Bush 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.
The Nebraska delegation of Presidential Scholars and teachers representing Prague High School and Creighton Prep High School.
The Presidential Scholars program was created in 1964 to honor academic achievement. For the past 43 years, this prestigious program has honored over 5,000 of the nation’s top-performing students.
Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, D.C. to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events.
The teacher chosen for recognition by Paseka was Kevin E. Behne, of Brainard, Nebraska.
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