Elk Grove Girl Named Presidential Scholar

ELK GROVE, Calif. -- Laguna Creek High School student Junyao Peng has been named as a 2008 Presidential Scholar.

Peng is one of 139 American high school seniors honored for academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship and service at school and in their community.

Peng and the other Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington, D.C., from June 21-24.

Peng is a gifted pianist and a member of the Science Olympiad, Academic Decathalon, Mathletes, National Honor Society and the varsity tennis team.

She is enrolled in California Statue University's accelerated college entrance program and served as freshman, sophomore, and junior class president.

Apart from school and wins in state, national and international contests, Peng tutors peers and volunteers at a senior center.

Peng hopes to attend Harvard and the New England Conservatory of Music.

The Presidential Scholars program was created in 1964 to honor academic achievement. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts.

Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher to travel to Washington, D.C., to receive a Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education and to participate in the recognition events.

The teacher chosen for recognition by Peng was Richard Cionco of Sacramento.