CVHS SENIORS NAMED PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS CANDIDATES
Capistrano Valley High School seniors Stephen Hwang and Shannon Kiang were selected as candidates for the prestigious United States Presidential Scholars Program. Established by Executive Order of the President in 1964, the program aims to honor students who demonstrate exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts and is considered to be one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
“Stephen and Shannon are two shining examples of what it truly means to be outstanding high school scholars,” notes Deni Christensen, Principal at CVHS. “Their individual accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary.”
A 4-year cross-country and track athlete, Stephen Hwang earned the titles Most Valuable and Scholar-Athlete for his contributions to the team. Stephen also serves as the CVHS Commissioner of Technological Services and is active in many campus organizations including ASB and the California Scholarship Federation (CSF). Academically, Stephen has earned distinction with a perfect score on the SAT and ranks in the top 15 students of his class with a GPA of 4.46. Stephen has been named a National Merit Commended Student, Advanced Placement Scholar of Distinction and is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidate as well as an Academy of Technology, Math and Science (ATMS) Gold Certificate Scholar. Stephen hopes to pursue a career in business or economics.
Ranking in the top 3 students of her graduating class with an academic GAP of 4.54, Shannon Kiang is also an IB Diploma candidate and ATMS Gold Certificate Scholar. A National Merit semi-finalist, Shannon hopes to pursue a career in medicine, with a specialty in pediatric surgery. Shannon serves as the Editor-in-Chief for the CVHS Times school newspaper, is a member of the varsity swim team and actively participates in campus clubs including CSF and the National Honors Society. An avid philanthropist, Shannon is the President of Operation Smile, a program that funds cleft palate and cleft lip surgeries for children in developing countries and has traveled abroad, working in Paraguay, to support this cause. Shannon is also involved in the Mission Hospital Auxiliary program and was recognized by the California PTSA as a Reflections Award winner for her story on volunteer activities at a rehabilitation center.
“We are proud of these students and are honored to have them as part of the CVHS family,” admits Christensen. “These are exemplary citizens who have each contributed in countless and immeasurable ways not only to CVHS, but to their community. I am confident that they will both use their talents to make our world a better place.”
