Pontiac Times

LANSING, Mich. — On Monday, Sen. Michael Webber lauded Troy High School senior Aanya Shah for her selection as a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar, an honor announced by the U.S. Department of Education.

"I congratulate Aanya Shah for this outstanding achievement. Her commitment and dedication to leadership, service and success throughout her high school career is truly inspiring and a great source of pride for Troy, the surrounding communities of the 9th Senate District, and the entire state of Michigan," said Webber, R-Rochester Hills.

Webber highlighted Shah's honor as a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar and her distinguished participation as one of Michigan’s two student representatives to the United States Senate Youth Program earlier this year. He also noted her many other enriching experiences that have set her on a promising path towards achieving her dreams.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects finalists based on academic success, excellence in the arts and technical education through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

Shah was chosen for this distinction alongside Avondale Senior High School’s Anish Jain and Center Line High School’s Olivia Jaden Stepnioski from among 13 Michigan semifinalists in the state. A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars can be found at www.ed.gov/psp.

Michigan’s 9th Senate District encompasses the cities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Utica along with parts of Oakland Township, Shelby Township and Sterling Heights.