Milford High School seniors Elsie Sutherland and Owen Matthews have been selected by Jeffrey Riley, Massachusetts’ Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, to represent the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as U.S. Presidential Scholar nominees. 

Elsie Sutherland, an outstanding senior student at Milford High School, has been chosen by Commissioner Riley to representthe state as a U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominee in the General award category. Elsie's academic achievements and her involvement in various community service projects is extensive and make her a well-rounded and commendable candidate for this prestigious recognition. With a commitment to both academic excellence and civic engagement, Elsie embodies the values of a Presidential Scholar nominee. Her dedication to learning, leadership, and community service makes her an excellent representative for Milford High School on the national stage. Elsies activities include the following: 

School Activities 9-12:

•   Science Olympiad, Administrative Captain

•   Academic Decathlon, Club President

•   The Green Team: Environmental Sustainability Club: Captain

•   The Milford Scarlet News, Staff writer

•   School photography, Photographer

•   National Honor Society, Member

•   School Improvement Council, Class of 2024 Representative

•   Connections Program, Mentee

•   Science National Honor Society, Member

•   Care Club, Member

Non-Paid Community Service 9-12

•   Community Connector Website Creator

•   Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition Event Photographer

•   Children Across America Volunteer

•   Winter Crafts Fair Volunteer

•   Milford Beautification Day

•   Senior Lip Dub Set-up

•   Campus Clean ups

•   National Honor Society Recycling Club

Academic Achievements (achievements, awards, honors) 9-12

•    MHS High Honor Roll

•    Science Olympiad Regional Meet - First place in Fermi Questions, grade 11

•    Science Olympiad State Meet - 11th place out of 60 teams Disease Detectives and 13th place out of 60 team Fermi Questions, grade 11

•    Academic Decathlon - Scholastic 1st place Music, 2nd place Art, 2nd place Social Science, 4th place Essay, and 5th place Economics

•    AP Scholar with Distinction, grade 11

•    MIT Leadership Training Institute, grade 10

•    Photography Exhibit, Milford Public Library

•    Connections Program Acceptance

•    Interviewed by local media for the development of the Community Connector Website (CBS News/WBZ-TV, Milford Patch, Metrowest Daily News, Milford Free Press, MIT News, and Milford Daily News).

Owen Matthews Courtesy photo

Owen Matthews, a distinguished senior student, and member and co-captain of the MHS Football and Wrestling teams at Milford High School, has been selected by Commissioner Riley to represent the state as a U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominee in the General award category. Owen's academic excellence and commitment to extracurricular activities have set him apart as a standout student. His passion for learning and leadership skills have not only made a mark within the school but also garnered recognition at the state level. As a nominee, Owen exemplifies the qualities of a Presidential Scholar, showcasing  a dedication to making a positive impact in his school community.

School Activities 9-12:

•    Varsity Football, Captain

•    Varsity Wrestling, Captain

•    Best Buddies, Match Buddy

•    Unified Strength and Conditioning, Coach

•    Theatre Workshop, supporting role 

Non-Paid Community Service 9-12:

•    Milford Youth Wrestling Assistant

•    Elementary “Summer Success” Behavioral Assistant

•    Special Olympics School Day Games

•    Celebrate Milford Volunteer

•    Milford Youth Football Camp Volunteer

•    Volunteer to Develop Websites for Community Organizations

•    “Schools on Wheels” Volunteer

Academic Achievements 9-12

•    National Honor Society

•    Salem State University Book Award

•    High Honor Roll

•    National Cyber Scholar

•    Coach’s Award - Milford Wrestling

•    John and Abigail Adams Scholarship

According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, “Each year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) Commissioner seeks school nominations of high school seniors for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. 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. Each year up to approximately 160 students from across the country are named by the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE) as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. Scholars are chosen based on their accomplishments in many areas — academics, leadership, and involvement in their school and the community and represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America's youth. U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program each June and to commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.”

Elsie and Owen will be invited by the program’s U.S. Department of Education national review team to complete a new application in order to be considered for the US Presidential Scholar Award.