Mililani High School student Joseph Fujinami has been selected for the 52nd class of US Presidential Scholars. He is one of 160 high school seniors nationwide selected from 4,700 candidates, and part of the program's inaugural group of 20 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students.
"Congratulations to Joseph on this prestigious recognition, and thank you to his family and teachers for dedicating themselves to his success," said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. "We look forward to celebrating this graduate as well as the more than 11,000 students that are graduating this month."
Joseph is a Mililani High School class of 2016 Valedictorian. He has earned CTE Honors in the area of Design Technology and served as the Skills USA Vice President and President. He has competed in Skills USA competitions in Hawaii earning second place in Architectural Drafting in 2015 and first place in 2016.
As a talented violinist, Joseph has been a member of the Hawaii Youth Symphony for 10 years. He was selected as Concertmaster for the 2015-16 season, and has played alongside world-renowned violinist Midori.
"Joseph is an outstanding student who always strives to do more than is asked of him," said Fred Murphy, principal, Mililani High School. "He inspires others with his character and excellent work ethic."
Joseph will be attending Illinois Institute of Technology this fall where he will pursue a degree in architecture.
Seven public school students were selected as semifinalists for the program, the other six include Perry Arrasmith, Aiea High School; Reyn Aubrey, Mililani High School; Chelsea Briggs, Kapolei High School; Samantha Churchill, Kalani High School; Rajeev Jha, Roosevelt High School; and Sydney Millerd, Waipahu High School.
Established in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, the US Presidential Scholars Program honors graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students with exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts.
For more information about the US Presidential Scholars Program, visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html.
