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FIRST Alum Ilana Z. Walder-Biesanz Named Presidential Scholar

FIRST alumnae Ilana Walder-Biesanz is one of only three students in Oregon to be named as a 2009 Presidential Scholar, one of the nation's highest honors for high-school students. In her application essay, Ilana describes her discovery of the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) as a seven-year-old, and her subsequent persistence and leadership role in starting FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 2915, “Riverdale Robotics Pandamonium.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and provide leadership development experiences for some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high-school seniors. The 141 students named annually as Presidential Scholars represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people.

As a Presidential Scholar, Ilana will travel to Washington, D.C., in June as a guest of the program for National Recognition Week: five days of educational, celebratory, and fellowship activities. Scholars participate in seminars, lectures, and workshops with government officials, elected representatives, educators, authors, musicians, scientists, and other accomplished people; perform community service; and attend cultural events and ceremonies held in their honor. During the week, they forge friendships that often last a lifetime. The week culminates in a White House-sponsored event at which the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Medallion.

Next year, Ilana will attend Olin College of Engineering.