PHOTO CREDIT – Office of Legislator Arnold W. Drucker
(MINEOLA, N.Y.) - During the Monday, June 26 meeting of the Nassau County Legislature, Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) honored Syosset’s Sabrina Guo and Jericho’s Kevin Zhu for the outstanding achievements that led to their recognition as 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars.
Throughout the year, Kevin Zhu has excelled in Regeneron’s science competitions. In March, he earned a $25,000 prize as a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, which he will be applying toward his studies at Stanford University in California. Two months later, shortly after being named a Presidential scholar, he earned the Dudley R. Herschbach Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar (SIYSS) Award and with it a trip to the Seminar, which includes attendance at the Nobel Prize ceremonies. The multi-talented young student is also a researcher, musician, and creative writer who is an award-winning pianist, published poet, and Jericho High School tennis team co-captain.
Sabrina was named a 2023 Coca-Cola scholar, which earned her $20,000 toward her pre-law studies at Yale. In addition to her many academic achievements, Sabrina founded Girl Pride International, a not-for-profit organization which dedicates itself to meeting the emotional, social, and educational needs of displaced, refugee and migrant girls. She launched Long Island Laboring Against COVID-19 (LILAC) to raise money and donate PPE, meals and funds and uplifts at-risk communities during the worst stretches of the pandemic.
Before embarking on their respective journeys in higher education, Kevin and Sabrina will be spending a portion of the summer overseas in China.
“Not only have Sabrina and Kevin distinguished themselves through their remarkable academic success, their commitment to philanthropy and passion for worthwhile endeavors has enriched so many aspects of our community,” Legislator Drucker said. “It was an honor to have this opportunity to congratulate these outstanding young leaders and wish them tremendous success in all of their future endeavors.”
Launched in 1964, the Presidential Scholar program was established to recognize the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Sabrina Guo and Kevin Zhu were among the 161 honorees selected nationwide and five Presidential Scholars from New York.