(Columbus, OH) -- The Wellington School is proud to announce that senior Ishana Samaranayake ’25 has been recognized as a candidate for the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation's most prestigious honors for high school students.
Ishana's journey at Wellington has been marked by academic excellence and a passion for learning. In November 2024, she was acknowledged as an AP Scholar for her outstanding performance on multiple Advanced Placement Exams.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Ishana has been an active member of the Wellington community. She is a dedicated member of the girls' basketball team, contributing both on and off the court. Her commitment to teamwork and excellence exemplifies the spirit of Wellington athletics.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964, honors up to 161 of the nation's top graduating seniors annually, recognizing their achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. Being named a candidate is a testament to Ishana's hard work, dedication, and the support of the Wellington community.
Head of School Eliza McLaren expressed her pride, stating, "Ishana embodies the values we hold dear at Wellington. Her intellectual curiosity, ambition, and commitment to excellence make her a role model for her peers."
Head of Upper School Rishi Raghunathan also praised Ishana’s well-rounded approach to learning and leadership, saying, "Ishana is an exceptional student who pursues knowledge with both depth and joy. She is an academic standout and stellar member of our community. This recognition is well-deserved, and we are excited to see all that she will accomplish in the future."
As the selection process continues, semifinalists will be announced in the coming months, with the final scholars named in June. Regardless of the outcome, Ishana's recognition as a candidate highlights the exceptional opportunities and support provided by The Wellington School.
ABOUT WELLINGTON:
Founded in 1982 by a group of local entrepreneurs as Columbus’ first coeducational independent school, Wellington is home to lifelong learners and lifelong leaders. Our 700 students, from three-year-olds to 12th graders, thrive as part of a community where the thrill of pursuing new experiences ignites curiosity and joy. With a focus on passion-driven learning guided by students’ interests, Wellington fosters an entrepreneurial mindset for today’s generation to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Diversity is foundational to our educational philosophy because a greater sense of belonging leads to better learning. With students from 52 zip codes and 67 countries of origin, our community represents an array of identities. Learn more about the Wellington experience at www.wellington.org.
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