Exeter, NH (May 12, 2009)—Phillips Exeter Academy student Jeanette J. Wat, a senior from Exeter, NH, has been named a 2009 Presidential Scholar by the U.S. Department of Education.

Wat is one of the 141 outstanding American high school seniors chosen as this year’s scholars, demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. She was among close to 560 semifinalists who advanced to the final round. This year, Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington, D.C., from June 20–24.

Wat, who has been interested in mathematics since she was young, has qualified twice for the USA Math Olympiad and completed Abstract Algebra courses at the University of Chicago. Her interest in science led her to become a semifinalist in both the Siemens and the Intel Science Competitions. Earlier in high school, she served as vice president of the Chemistry Club and manager of the Book Award. She also helped to create fun activities for students to learn science and volunteered at the Spanish Film Festival and International Day. A National Merit and Cum Laude scholar, she was named the female winner of the Siemens Advanced Placement New Hampshire competition. In her spare time, Wat likes to swim, play piano and spend time with friends and family.
 
The 141 Presidential Scholars include one young man and 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. Wat was chosen for her academic achievements.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to honor academic achievement among the nation’s most outstanding, graduating high school seniors. The Art Scholar Program was added in 1979 to extend honors to seniors who demonstrated exceptional ability in the visual, creative and performing arts.
                                                                              
A complete list of upcoming events is available on the Phillips Exeter Academy public events line at (603) 777-4309 and on our website at http://www.exeter.edu/. For directions to Phillips Exeter Academy, call (603) 777-4330. To learn more about upcoming events at Exeter, check the News & Events section of the website. To learn more about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, visit their website.

U.S. Department of Education