Two students from Oconee County Schools have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education – North Oconee High School senior Keaton Coletti and Oconee County High School senior Mina Yu. Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, only 161 receive this national-level recognition, and just three in the entire state of Georgia were honored – two from Oconee County.

“On behalf of Oconee County Schools and the Board of Education, I want to offer our sincere congratulations to Mina and Keaton for this highly prestigious recognition as U.S. Presidential Scholars,” said Superintendent Jason Branch. “These students have accomplished a great deal as academic and community leaders in Oconee County, and we know that they will continue to make us proud in the future.” 

Coletti, a senior at North Oconee High School, is the son of Kelli and Norman Coletti. He received college acceptances from Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, and the United States Air Force Academy. He plans to attend the University of Georgia as a Foundation Fellow. A National Merit Semifinalist, his major will be aeronautical engineering. During his high school career, he was involved in marching, concert, and jazz band, as well as math team, robotics, and swimming. He was this year’s STAR Student for North Oconee High School.

Yu, a senior at Oconee County High School, is the daughter of Sarah Cho and Seokhu Yu. She received college acceptances from Emory University, Georgia Tech, Harvard University, Princeton University, and the University of Georgia. She plans to attend Princeton University and major in biochemistry/molecular biology and English. Mina has been involved in Athens Youth Symphony, JV cross country, and Mock Trial. She tied for STAR Student for Oconee County High School and System STAR Student (all public and private schools in Oconee County).

"I want to congratulate this year’s class of Presidential Scholars on their achievement and also thank their parents, teachers, and other academic advisors who have helped guide them along the way,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “These students have pushed themselves to be the best they can be, and I am certain that devotion will serve them well as they continue their individual learning journeys.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored almost 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in Washington. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The 2018 ceremony will be held June 24, when each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion.