SENATOR COLLINS MEETS WITH PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS FROM MAINE

U.S. Senator Susan Collins met this week with two high school seniors from Maine who have been named 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars. Reed Wommack, of Yarmouth, and Dakota Snyder, of York, were in Washington to receive Presidential Scholar medallions from President Obama at an awards ceremony.

Reed Wommack, who is the valedictorian of his graduating class at Yarmouth High School, is a member of the ski team and a champion slalom skier, participates in student government, and has logged more than 100 hours of service on various community projects. He is fluent in Chinese and spent last summer in China participating in a study abroad program focused on government.

Dakota Snyder, a senior at York High School, started a mentoring and reading group for young girls called "Mainely a Girl's Point of View," and also serves as editor of the school yearbook. She is also active in her schools' AIDS education team, National Honor Society, and has raised funds for community fuel assistance.

"Reed and Dakota exemplify the true spirit of academic excellence and community service," said Senator Collins. "I commend them both for being positive role models to young people in our state. They are inspiring examples of the leaders of our future."

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars appointed by the President selected the scholars based on their academic achievements, artistic excellence, leadership, and community service. The 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars include one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For the past 46 years, this prestigious program has honored more than 6,000 of the nation's top-performing students.