Caddo Magnet High School Senior, Ashini Modi has been selected as a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar. Modi is one of three students in Louisiana to earn this prestigious honor.
Modi has been a leader and standout student throughout her academic career. From being named a Louisiana Student of the Year, earning a perfect 36 on her ACT test, becoming a top 300 student scientist in the National Regeneron Science Talent Search to studying black holes with NASA through the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
She is a passionate researcher and amateur astronomer who has completed projects that have earned her awards at national and international science competitions and conferences.
"Our state winners illustrate that Louisiana students are among the very brightest in the country," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. "I congratulate every U.S. Presidential Scholar and join their families and communities in celebrating this high honor."
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students based on academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership. Over 5,000 candidates qualified for the awards this year, determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,900 of the nation’s top-performing students. As directed by Presidential Executive Order, this distinction is annually awarded to one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.
Modi will attend Harvard University this fall where she will study physics or astrophysics. In addition to her academic accolades, she is equally committed to giving back to her community even dating back to sixth grade when she created a library with 1,500 children’s books at a local homeless shelter. She has also been recognized by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a national program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. When not conducting research or volunteering, Ashini enjoys playing the violin, advocating for environmental sustainability, hiking, and baking vegan goodies with her sister.