LHS Duo Nominated For Presidential Scholar Program

U.S. Presidential Scholar nominees Rachel Daso and Ian Bell.

Lakewood High seniors Ian Bell and Rachel Daso have been selected by the Ohio Department of Education as two of 20 Ohio high school students to be nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. This is the third straight year LHS has had a student nominated for the honor.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. It was established in 1964 by executive order by the President to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars.

Ian and Rachel, both National Merit Semifinalists, were selected based on their service to their school and community, leadership skills, character and academic achievements and their score on the nominee’s essay. The duo are at the top of their class and hold impressive GPAs based on a rigorous courseload of AP and advanced classes.

Ian has a GPA of 4.53. He is involved heavily in the LHS music program and participates in the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony as lead clarinet. He is co-captain of the Academic Challenge team that has gone to the national championship tournament for four years straight, serves as co-president of the Model UN Club, is a student liaison for the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation and a youth ambassador for ASIA Inc., a nonprofit group that helps support the District’s refugee population.

Rachel carries a 4.55 GPA and is co-president with Ian of the Model UN Club and president of the National Honor Society. She is also involved extensively in the music program as well as the Contemporary Youth Orchestra based at Cleveland State. She has performed in numerous Barnstormers Drama Club productions and is a member of Watters Science Seminar. Outside of school, she teaches private trumpet lessons and serves at her church.

“Ian and Rachel our two of our best and brightest at Lakewood High and I am proud to have them represent us for this prestigious honor,” said Principal Keith Ahearn.