Victoria Basharina, a senior at William Floyd High School, has been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. This prestigious program is one of the highest honors for high school students in the United States, recognizing excellence in education and leadership potential.
Betty A. Rosa, New York State Commissioner of Education, selected Victoria as one of 25 nominees from New York State. Of these, 20 were chosen for the general component and five for Career and Technical Education. Victoria was nominated in the general category and is among only four students from Long Island and two from Suffolk County to receive this recognition this year.
Victoria's academic achievements are notable; she holds a weighted GPA exceeding 100 and ranks 11th out of a class of 767 students. She has completed 13 advanced placement courses since middle school, starting with algebra in seventh grade despite not receiving high school credit due to state regulations.
Ashley Siebert, her guidance counselor, remarked on Victoria's qualities: "In my 23 years as a school counselor...Victoria Basharina is a standout to me...She represents the very best of what we hope to foster in our students: intellectual curiosity, resilience, compassion, and the drive to make a positive impact."
Born in Russia, Victoria emigrated to America in first grade and attended Moriches Elementary School. She faced challenges adapting to a new country but used these experiences to build strength and empathy. Her community service includes volunteering at food drives, toy drives, fundraising events, community clean-ups, waterfront conservation efforts, ecological studies, and tutoring English learners.
Victoria's passion lies in science research classes where she explores various topics with peers who share her interests. After graduation, she plans to attend university to continue developing her academic skills. She has already taken dual-enrollment courses at Suffolk County Community College and Stony Brook University.
Dr. Martin Palermo praised her achievements: "This nomination...highlights Victoria’s hard work...She is a shining example of what it means to be a William Floyd student."
Victoria participates actively in extracurricular activities such as National Honor Society and Science Honor Society among others. She is also one of ten students earning an AP Capstone designation on her diploma.
Assemblyman Joseph P. DeStefano congratulated her nomination: “I’d like to humbly give my congratulations to Victoria Basharina...My best wishes as she continues to inspire others..."
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young Jr., expressed pride: “On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Regents...these candidates represent the very best..."
Commissioner Rosa added her commendation: “I am thrilled to recommend each of these truly outstanding students..."
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program began in 1964 recognizing distinguished high school seniors nationwide based on academic success along with other criteria such as artistic excellence or community service involvement among others annually by invitation only culminating with recipients receiving medallions come June.
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