Congratulations to Madeleine Case ’22 on being one of just 20 students in the United States to be named a 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts. The winners are nominated for this honor by National YoungArts Foundation. The U.S. Presidential Scholars award is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community service. Madeleine is being recognized for her submission in the Writing category for her screenplay, Hardcore.

Lauren Snelling, artistic director of YoungArts, said, “The 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts demonstrate both a dedication to academic achievement and a commitment to creativity in mediums spanning the visual, literary, and performing arts. YoungArts is incredibly proud to celebrate these young artists today and to amplify their innovative perspectives as they grow to become the arbiters of our nation’s cultural compass tomorrow.”

“Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Today, I join President Biden to celebrate a class of scholars whose pursuit of knowledge, generosity of spirit, and exceptional talents bring our nation tremendous pride. Throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation’s history and amid our recovery from the pandemic, our students have once again demonstrated their strength and that they have so much to contribute to our country. Thanks to them, I know America’s future is bright.”

Madeleine is the second Viewpoint film student to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in two years. Charlotte Sedaka ’21 was recognized in 2021 for her screenplay, Therapy. According to Catherine Dunn, Film Department Chair, the School’s first U.S. Presidential Scholar was Kenny Roy ’01, honored as a filmmaker in 2001.  

Madeleine’s Film Teacher Monica Hoenig was delighted by this recognition and said, “I am so pleased to congratulate and celebrate Madeleine on this honor of a lifetime. The prestigious Presidential Scholar Award celebrates her talent and capabilities developed during her time at Viewpoint with the support of her family and classmates.”  

She continued, “With her script, Hardcore, Madeleine fuses a complicated story structure with a profound subject matter to create an emotional impact and start a conversation with her audience. It is no surprise that Madeleine is a U.S. Presidential Scholar Award recipient, she is a well-rounded person who excelled in the arts for years exhibiting maturity and talent.”

Madeleine said, “I would not have been able to even dream of receiving this kind of award without the support and many hours of help from Ms. Hoenig, Ms. Dunn, and my film class. I am so honored and grateful. What a wonderful way to end my Viewpoint journey.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.