Cimarron-Memorial graduate honored as Presidential Scholar

Trude B. Feldman

Saturday, Aug. 1, 1998 | 10:08 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- David K. Wong, a native of Las Vegas, was among the 141 high school students from throughout the United States selected earlier this year as a 1998 Presidential Scholar.

The 18-year-old is a senior at Edward W. Clark High School and the son of Mauyen and Ken Wong, who formerly lived in Vietnam.

"My husband and I happy and thrilled with David's medal," Mauyen Wong said in a telephone interview. "He is the first child in a large Wong family to get that honor."

She described her son as studious, a self-starter and someone who is self-taught. Mauyen Wong is a blackjack dealer at the Mirage; Ken Wong is a floor supervisor at the Las Vegas Hilton.

David Wong credits Beth Isaacs, his biology teacher, as having the greatest impact on his academic accomplishments.

In an interview at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Washington, David described the week he spent in the nation's capital as an experience of a lifetime, and one that will not easily be forgotten.

"In addition to meeting the president of the United States, I was able to meet 140 extraordinary Presidential Scholars," he said. "I met people who scored 1600 on their SATs and won national and international competitions in math and science.

"Not only did I meet minds who excelled in reading, writing, math and science, I also met wonderful actors and actresses, composers, dancers, and the most amazing violinist I ever heard."

David added he was most impressed with the sights and sounds of the nation's capital, especially the Metrorail, the giant Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the numerous museums of art as well as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial.

Nevada's other Presidential Scholar is Marissa M. McClish, a senior at Reno High School in Reno. The scholars, who are recognized for their achievements in academics or the arts, recently visited Washington where they were honored at a White House ceremony in which each student met President Clinton and received a Presidential Scholar medallion.

The obvious highlight of David's trip, he added, was meeting the president.

"Though most people think of the president of the United States as an unapproachable man, I now have a different view of him. He comes across simply as a nice guy. I wasn't even nervous about meeting him. Afterward it finally hit me that I actually met the president, and I felt honored."

Addressing the students on the South Lawn of the White House, the president noted that the Presidential Scholar award dates back to 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed an executive order "to recognize the most precious resource of the United States: the brainpower of its young people."

Clinton quipped that in 1964, "I was your age, but I didn't win this medal ... someday many of you doubtless will light up this entire city.

"Already, you have enriched your communities by your activities in music, art, athletics and citizen service."

Presidential Scholars are graduating high school seniors recognized and chosen on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas including academic and artistic success, leadership, and involvement in school and the community. A 32-member commission -- private citizens appointed by the president -- makes the final selection of scholars from among 2.5 million seniors.

Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley noted that these 141 students have demonstrated a commitment to education and a dedication to excellence.

"Their accomplishments in scholarship, leadership, community service and the arts serve as a model for all," he said. "While there is not substitute for hard work and high academic standards, the creativity, energy and discipline they bring to their work made their accomplishments all the more exemplary."