Hillsborough High School students Youssef Abdelhalim, Nipun Banerjee, Cindy Dang, Emily Pan, Ryan Pierson and Nihal Saxena have been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
The scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate in 2021, according to information provided by the township committee.
Youssef is a member of the National Honor, Art Honor and French Honor societies. He is a QuestBridge National College Match finalist, president and founder of Help All, and volunteers for several organizations including the Yemen Crisis Virtual House Party and the Silver Hawk Home Health Care Center.
Nipun is a National Merit semifinalist and a member of the National Honor and Spanish Honor societies. He is a member of the Hillsborough High School Robotics Team and Science Olympiad team and fundraised more than $2,000 for an Indian orphanage.
Cindy is a member of the French Honor Society and has achieved the French Seal of Bilteracy. She is a three-time U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist and is a member of the Hillsborough High School Math Team, Science Olympiad and Pit Band pianist for theater productions. Cindy volunteers as an ice skating instructor for the Special Olympics and plays in annual musical performances for senior and veteran living centers.
Emily is a National Merit semifinalist, a National AP Scholar and a member of the Spanish Honor Society. She achieved second place at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals Chemagination Competition and is a varsity captain of the Hillsborough High School Girls Tennis Team. Emily volunteers at Hunterdon Healthcare Hospital and as a tutor.
Ryan is a member of the National Honor and Spanish Honor societies. She is a member of the Hillsborough High School Debate Team and is a peer mentor. Ryan volunteers at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and as a tutor.
Nihal is a member of the National Honor and French Honor societies. He developed an iOS app for Alzheimer’s residents at Brookdale Hillsborough Senior Living Center and is a member of the Hillsborough High School Robotics Team and Jazz Ensemble. Nihal volunteers at the Brookdale Senior Living Center and as a tutor.
The students were honored at the Hillsborough Township Committee Meeting on Feb. 9.