Sen. Helming: Webster Student Nominated for Presidential Scholars Program

GENEVA – Senator Pam Helming today announced that Webster Thomas High School senior Liam Murphy has been nominated by New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. Senator Helming had recommended Liam to the Commissioner for nomination.

“Webster Thomas High School senior Liam Murphy is an outstanding candidate for the Presidential Scholars Program. He stands out as a high achiever who excels in the classroom across all different subjects. He is also a leader who inspires those around him to serve their school and community and a hard worker who strives to accomplish his goals and overcome any challenge. It is terrific that Commissioner Elia has nominated Liam for this prestigious honor, and I wish Liam well as the process continues and as he contemplates his future college and career plans,” Senator Helming said.

According to Webster Thomas High School counselor John Callard, who recommended Liam to Senator Helming, Liam is considered to be near the top of the Class of 2019 of 350 students. He has taken the most rigorous academic program offered, and he is on track to receive the highest diploma, a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation & Honors, as well as the highest honor, Summa Cum Laude.

Liam served as Treasurer of Rotary Interact as sophomore and has served as President since his junior year. He has been President of Future Business Leaders of America since his junior year and Treasurer of Class Council all four years of high school. He also was Treasurer of Math League his junior year, and he currently serves as President of the National Honor Society. Liam also took it upon himself to invest the money he received for birthdays and other special occasions with the goal of using his earnings to travel. Last summer, Liam traveled to Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.  He has traveled to a total of 15 countries.

Liam is one of 25 high school seniors from across New York State whom Commissioner Elia nominated for the program, a list that includes 10 male students, 10 female students, and five career and technical education students. The Presidential Scholar recognition is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Every year, one young man and one young woman from each state are named as Presidential Scholars.

Liam said, “I am honored to be one of the 25 students nominated from New York and have the opportunity to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar.”

Mr. Callard said, “The staff and students of Webster Thomas are thrilled that Senator Helming recommended and that Commissioner Elia nominated Liam Murphy for this honor. Liam is one of our shining stars. We are very proud of him.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, and school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Semifinalists will be notified in mid-April and Scholars will be notified in May.