Stevenson, Naperville C. students among Presidential Scholars

Five Illinois high school seniors have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars for 2011.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the scholars Monday. Each scholar will travel to Washington, D.C. next month, and has invited his or her most inspiring and challenging teacher along to participate in the recognition events.

The Illinois scholars are:

• Zachary Blumenfeld of Adlai Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, whose most influential teacher is Andrew Conneen.

• Kevin Hu of Naperville Central High School, whose most influential teacher is John Wallbaum.

• Priscilla Lancaster, a Chicago home school student, whose most influential teacher is Miriam Socoloff.

• Maxwell Perkins of New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, whose most influential teacher is Lizzie Mackenzie.

• and Dana Schwartz of Highland Park High School, whose most influential teacher is Pat Cannon.