A math whiz and a prodigy cellist from the northern suburbs are two of Illinois’ four U.S. Presidential Scholars this year.

Shuja Raina of Glenview and Jan Nedvetsky of Wilmette were among the 161 students honored by the U.S. Department of Education in September. Presidential Scholars are selected from high school classes in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and overseas.

Nedvetsky, a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, has been studying the cello since the age of 5. He was named a Young Arts Winner with Distinction in cello performance last year and has performed with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago as well as on WFMT, National Public Radio and ABC 7.

Raina captained Glenbrook South High School’s Math Team in his senior year, twice qualified for the American Invit

See Full Page