Will Calli, a student at Woodbridge High School (WHS), has been nominated as one of five Virginia students for the U.S. Presidential Scholars for Career and Technical Education. Only 161 students are named Presidential Scholars each year, making it one of the highest honors received by high school seniors across the U.S.
The career and technical education (CTE) nominees are chosen based on their accomplishments in career and technical education fields. Students are nominated through their Chief State School Officer (CSSO), who can nominate up to five candidates who meet the U.S. Presidential Scholars candidacy requirements.
Calli was nominated at the state level by his Engineering Teacher Timothy DeFelice, who is impressed with his determination to excel in the engineering program.
DeFelice shared, "Will's motivation and dedication to the field of engineering made him an easy choice for this opportunity. Last summer, he excelled in the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program through the Office of Naval Research, which works in partnership with the American Society for Engineering Education and plans to enroll again this summer. Following graduation, he will be attending the Webb Institute in New York to pursue a career in naval architecture and marine engineering. I am honored to have him represent Woodbridge High School and Prince William County Public Schools."
Doug Wright, supervisor for CTE in the Office of Student Learning, is very proud that a PWCS student has been nominated for this honor. "CTE is very proud of Will and we appreciated all the support he has received from WHS and his CTE teacher Mr. Tim DeFelice. We are pulling for Will to continue on and become PWCS' first U.S. Presidential Scholar," said Wright.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was created in 1964 to recognize and honor outstanding high school seniors for their accomplishments academically. This program was expanded to include students who exhibit ability and accomplishments in career and technical education fields in 2015.
The announcement of the U.S. Presidential Scholars winners will occur in May 2020.
We are #PWCSProud of Will and hope that he continues pursuing his interest in construction and engineering.
