44°
Loaiza, who ranks first in her class of 247, is one of 25 New York high school seniors nominated as a finalist for the Presidential Scholars Program. Two students from each state, one male and one female, are named Presidential Scholars each year.
"I am thrilled to be nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program," said Loaiza said. "I think this is an amazing opportunity to represent my school. Peekskill has been underrepresented throughout the years and I believe this will open doors for my peers to take action and demonstrate their potential."
Loaiza has a GPA of 99.69 and is the vice president of the Science Honor Society. She also volunteers at the ASPCA, Special Olympics, and tutors children and adults at the Peekskill Library. She also volunteers at CUNY Citizenship Now, helping immigrants.
If she is chosen, Loaiza will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. and participate in a ceremony sponsored by The White House.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Peekskill and receive free news updates.
