Alexandra Clougher, a senior at William Floyd High School, has been selected as one of only five New York State nominees in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) category for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
For this program, New York’s state legislators nominate students from their respective legislative districts to Betty A. Rosa, the commissioner of education. As the chief state school officer, Commissioner Rosa then selects 25 nominees from that strong pool of statewide candidates (20 from the general component and five from the CTE component) to advance as nominees in this nationwide competition. Alexandra is the only student from Long Island selected for the CTE component and among only four Long Islanders selected in total.
Alexandra, 17 of Shirley, is a high-achieving student enrolled in the high school’s Cosmetology Academy, where she is participating in a two-year, 1,000-hour cosmetology-licensing course learning and gaining practical experience in hairstyling, hair coloring, haircutting, skin care, nail technology, make-up, braiding, chemical texturizing, hair extensions and more. She was accepted into the program due to her strong academics, stellar attendance and model citizenship. Once she graduates, she will qualify for the New York State cosmetology written and practical exams, and have the opportunity to pass an industry assessment to have a CTE endorsement on her diploma.
“I have no doubt the Alexandra will be a successful cosmetologist upon graduating this June,” said Karisa McMahon, Alexandra’s senior cosmetology teacher at William Floyd High School. “Not only is she an excellent student academically, but she helps her peers when in need. She takes pride in her work and is very conscientious. In class she has shown great improvement through constructive criticism and has applied it to her daily practical work. Alexandra is an asset to the senior cosmetology program. I can confidently say she will prosper in any route the cosmetology field takes her.”
She has also been a member of the varsity Rockettes since her freshman year, using her strong dance background to help the group perform at various school functions and athletic events such as pep rallies, homecoming, basketball and football games.
"Alexandra is one of our team captains this year and her nomination for this award is truly a testament to who Alex is,” said Lisa Taiani, Alexandra’s coach and advisor on the varsity Rockettes. “We and her teammates have recognized Alexandra as a leader -- she is kind, approachable, dependable, talented, mature, responsible and determined. I expect to hear about her many successes upon her graduation from William Floyd High School in June.”
In September 2020, Alexandra heard life-changing news -- she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which she said has been the most impactful event in her personal life. She has since recovered and throughout the process has shown great resiliency.
“Despite this diagnosis, Alexandra’s personality and outlook on life has not changed. She has handled this challenge with grace and dignity, and has continued to excel in all aspects of her life,” said Arianna Scanlon, Alexandra’s school counselor and the person who nominated her to the state legislature for this award. “Alexandra has allowed her academics, and her passion for dance to be the guiding light through any unfortunate circumstance. She has continued to grow as a young adult and has continued to push herself to be an even better version of herself.”
Two of William Floyd’s local state representatives – New York State Senator Alexis Weik (Third Senate District) and New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. (First Assembly District) took Ms. Scanlon’s letter of recommendation and then nominated Alexandra to Commissioner Rosa and the New York State Education Department.
“I am thrilled that one of my local students, Alexandra Clougher, has been nominated as one of five Career and Technical Education students for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program!” said Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. “Ms. Clougher stands out as having academic success, leadership qualities, and personal achievements, even in the face of adversity. I am proud to represent this determined young woman in the First Assembly District and wish Alexandra luck as she moves to the next level of this notable competition.”
State Senator Alexis Weik added, “Alexandra Clougher is an incredible student who, when faced with adversity, has met it head on and continued to excel inside and outside the classroom. I am proud to have nominated her for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Excellence in Career and Technical Education Program and her selection as one of only five students in the state nominated by Commissioner Rosa is a testament to her dedication and work in the CTE field. I wish Alexandra success as she advances in the national selection process and I know she will succeed in all of her future endeavors.”
In the statewide announcement, Commissioner Rosa said, “I am so proud of these hard-working, talented New York students and I am honored to nominate them for this prestigious program. They are truly among the best and brightest, and I join our legislators in congratulating all of them on this honor.”
“New York’s nominees are an impressive group of students who demonstrate academic excellence and distinguished leadership in their endeavors both in and out of school,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said. “Their nominations are a testament to what can be accomplished with diligence to school work and the dedication of fine teachers and mentors.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Application is by invitation only.
USDE will issue invitations in late January from among those students nominated by chief state school officers and from a pool based on scores on the SAT or ACT. Semifinalists will be notified in mid-April and Scholars will be notified in May. Students chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars receive a medallion.