Photo courtesy of Heather Shen.

It’s been a big year for Heather Shen – Rhode Island’s Outstanding Teen, captain of the state champ Girls Tennis team, and concertmaster (first violin) of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. And in the past eight days, it’s gotten even bigger. Last week, she was named valedictorian for the EGHS Class of 2014 and on Monday she learned she’d been named a Presidential Scholar, one of the highest national awards a high school student can earn.

“I was happy and honored to be selected,” Shen said about being a Presidential Scholar.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes graduating high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to school and community. Shen is one of 141 students nationwide to receive the honor. Students are invited to apply. Shen and fellow EGHS senior Michelle Xiong were among 565 semifinalists for the honor from more than 4,000 candidates.

Andrew Miner – another student who has earned many acolades this past year – was named salutatorian for the EGHS Class of 2014. Both students will speak at graduation June 8.

Shen will attend Stanford University in September; Miner is going to Harvard.