A pair of seniors from Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School’s graduating class of 2021 were recently named candidates of the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Anna Adelstein and Ryan Joseph were selected as two of the more than 4,500 candidates for the program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from American high schools this year.
Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in such areas as academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. A panel of educators reviews submissions and selects approximately 600 semi-finalists in early April.
The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 citizens appointed by the president, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the scholars in May.
“We know we are succeeding when our students are recognized for both intellectual ability along with character and menschlichkeit, being good people — that is the Beth Tfiloh ideal,” said Dr. Zipora Schorr, director of education at Beth Tfkoh.
Anna’s leadership roles include serving as Beth Tfiloh’s lead theater critic for Cappies Baltimore, chairing the school’s Admissions Committee, and serving as a senior buddy to freshmen.
In addition, she raised $6,000 for the Travis Manion Foundation, which helps veterans return to civilian life and supports families of the fallen, by biking 365 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. A singer and actor, Anna has performed in local professional and community theaters, as well as in Beth Tfiloh productions
“I credit much of my drive and ambition to my passionate and devoted teachers,” said Anna. “My English teacher Mr. Bruner motivates me to strive for excellence. My chemistry teacher Dr. Scheffer models for me a strong, brilliant woman in STEM. My college counselor Mrs. Steinberg inspires me to believe that I can make a difference.
“All of my educators have instilled in me a passion for learning and a desire for knowledge.”
Ryan was among four high school students selected for the the competitive University of Maryland Medical Center Greenebaum Cancer Center’s internships. He competed in the 2018 International Bible Contest in Israel as the U.S. national champion.
Ryan is also an accomplished pianist who is a member of the National Piano Guild and has performed in Beth Tfiloh theatrical productions since preschool.
“Everyone at BT, my teachers, my friends, my classmates, all help me to push myself to be the best person I can be, academically and spiritually,” he said. “I have everyone to thank for my accomplishments.”
Said Dr. Renee Koplon, Beth Tfiloh High School principal: “On behalf of the entire Beth Tfiloh High School faculty, we are extraordinarily proud of Anna and Ryan for their nominations to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. These two students are more than just high achievers in Beth Tfiloh’s rigorous dual curriculum academic program. They have attained that success while balancing multiple co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and volunteering in causes that are important to them.
“Anna and Ryan are true role models to their peers, demonstrating leadership and perseverance in the face of difficult challenges.”
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The donation will be directed to help foster research conducted by faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and to advance innovative treatments.
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