March 3, 2022 By Carol Britton Meyer
Hingham High School seniors Ella Niehoff and Curtis Murphy were recently nominated to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964 by executive order of President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize and honor the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.
Each year, program organizers select one male and one female student from each state (as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Americans living abroad) -- along with 15 at-large students and up to 20 students in the arts and 20 career and technical education students -- on the basis of outstanding scholarship, service, leadership, and creativity through a rigorous selection and review process administered by the White House Commission on U.S. Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education.
Both Curtis and Ella were nominated by their junior-year Hingham High School history teacher, Christina O'Connor -- through Principal Rick Swanson, who wrote a letter of recommendation for them both.
"Curtis and Ella have been very significant contributors to our school for the past four years. They're very strong students who work hard in the classroom, and they engage in ways that make the academic experience better for their classmates, too," Swanson told the Hingham Anchor.
"At the same time, they've both demonstrated outstanding leadership in a variety of extracurricular pursuits. Our school could not ask for better representation in the US Presidential Scholars Program," he said.
Following O'Connor's nomination, Ella and Curtis were required to submit an initial writing piece, SAT and ACT scores, extracurricular activities, grades, and other information.
The program is geared toward seniors "who love learning, engage in their classes, and help make their school a positive community," Ella explained. She named some of Curtis' qualities "as always looking on the bright side, engaging in class, maintaining a positive attitude, and being respectful and caring of his classmates and teachers."
Curtis in turn recognizes Ella to be "hard-working and the first person to raise her hand when the teacher asks a question. She's very independent, and you can tell that when she has a goal in mind, she pursues it."
Ella believes that her dedication to her studies, classroom participation, caring for her peers, and being conscientious and present during her classes are qualities that led to her nomination.
A mixture of academic and leadership skills in his schoolwork as well as in sports is what Curtis believes led to his nomination.
"It was really cool to be recognized by a teacher and our principal -- something to be proud of," he said.
In addition to their academic achievements, each is captain of two HHS teams -- Ella, varsity crew and the debate team, and Curtis, varsity basketball and soccer.
To be considered further once nominated, the students were required to submit essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts. They were then evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay.
As a result, both Curtis and Ella were nominated by Massachusetts Commissioner of Education Jeffrey Riley, which kept both students in the running and on to the next step in the process.
Those nominated by Riley, including Ella and Curtis, were required to submit essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports, and transcripts.
"What fantastic news it was when we heard that both Ella and Curtis were selected by Commissioner Riley to represent the state as a nominee for the U.S. Presidential Scholars from Massachusetts," O'Connor told the Hingham Anchor.
In late March, about 500 semifinalists will be chosen by an independent, national committee of educators convened by the Commission on Presidential Scholars. At that time, up to 20 semifinalists will be identified for each state/jurisdiction by the review committee.
In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars will make the final selection. One young man and one young woman will be chosen from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad. In addition, up to 15 students at large will be chosen.
The program cycle will conclude with recognition events held in June 2022. Those who are selected will receive a medallion, distinguishing them as among the highest-achieving students in the nation.
"Ella and Curtis were both students of mine last year in Honors U.S. History, and I was impressed with them both from the start -- especially in our remote, then hybrid beginnings," O'Connor said. "Both helped contribute to creating a classroom community, even when it was virtual."
O'Connor referred to Ella as "driven. She is a learner and a seeker, and her curiosity is inspiring. She seeks out opportunities to extend her learning. Ella did every single outside [activity] I suggested -- from Zoom lectures to independent reads to coming to office hours to discuss her National History Day work."
Ella was responsible last year for independently reaching out to a prominent historian who O'Connor very much admires and whose work was being used in their class and invited him to join the students on Zoom -- which he did. "She offered fantastic insights during class discussions and always respectfully engaged in thoughtful discussion with peers," O'Connor said.
Curtis, too, was an active member of discussions and "very reflective about the history we were learning. He is open-minded, willing to take risks in his thinking and -- refreshingly -- to change his mind if he encounters new information or perspectives that shift his understanding," according to O'Connor. "Respected by peers and adults alike, he's honest, genuine, and true. I appreciate his kindness, independence, and humble confidence."
While Ella and Curtis would be honored to be among the up to 161 students who are named Presidential Scholars -- one of the nation's highest honors for high school students -- both said they will be proud of having made it that far and grateful for the opportunity to represent HHS in the program.
"I think we both have a shot at winning, but all of the other students who were nominated also have talents and an interest in education," Ella said. "On a local level, if one or both of us were to be chosen, it would show that HHS is producing some good students. It would also be a credit to Principal Swanson and to our teacher [Christina O'Connor], who found out about the program and would be pleased that a student(s) she taught won."
Curtis also realizes that only a small percentage of nominees win the award. "No matter what the outcome, I will be grateful for the experience and glad to have had the opportunity to participate."
Ella enjoys sailing and spending time outside when she has free time.
After college, Ella would like to join the Navy. She was recently accepted into the Navy ROTC program, with the goal of becoming a Naval officer. "I want to join the Navy because I love leading and motivating people," she said.
Ella also enjoys working in challenging environments and trying new things. "I want to live for something greater than myself," she said.
In his free time, Curtis participates in Special Needs Athletic Partnership (SNAP) soccer games in the Fall and Spring as a mentor as well as playing sports.
Curtis plans to attend Santa Clara University as an English major. "I have always enjoyed expressing my ideas in writing and putting my personality into my schoolwork," he said.
Curtis may eventually become a journalist, which he says "offers different opportunities and is a way to make a difference."
O'Connor has great respect for Curtis and Ella. "I am grateful for the ways in which they contributed to our collective classroom environment last year, but even on a personal level, how they have both enriched my life. I am so proud of them."