Woodbridge High School senior Will Calli has been awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars Award for the Career and Technical Education Program. He is one of 161 students from around the country to be named a 2020 Presidential Scholar. Calli will be presented with the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion during the National Recognition Program to occur later this summer as health circumstances permit.
The nominees for the career and technical education (CTE) Presidential Scholars Award are chosen based on their CTE field accomplishments. Calli's Engineering Teacher Timothy DeFelice originally nominated Calli to the state level. The Chief State School Officer (CSSO) can choose up to five candidates who meet the U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates' requirements.
Speaking about Calli's win, Woodbridge High School Principal Heather Abney said, "On behalf of everyone at Woodbridge High, I would like to congratulate Will Calli. One of his teachers, Mr. DeFelice, nominated Will for this award, and we couldn't be prouder."
Calli will be attending the Webb Institute, a four-year engineering school, where he plans to earn a dual degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He is excited to use the skills he learned in his CTE engineering classes in his future career as a naval ship designer.
When asked about receiving the Presidential Scholars Award, Calli stated, "I am proud to have brought this honor back to the school and county where I have learned and grown, but it is not just a reflection of me. This award is reflective of the great teachers, administrators, friends, and family, especially my parents who have supported me and helped me every step of the way. I could never have gotten this award or any of the other opportunities that I have earned without the Viking Village behind me."
For more than 55 years, this unique federal program has honored over 7,500 U.S. Presidential Scholars, who have demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and contribution to school and community. The work of the Commission on Presidential Scholars reaffirms the Nation's commitment to education on behalf of the president.