Suhani Patel, senior at Mountain Ridge High School, 22800 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, is one of the five Arizona finalists as a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

Suhani is a student in David Martin’s AP Computer Science Principles course, previously was in dual enrollment Web Page Development with Renee Woodruff, and a member of FBLA and DECA under advisors Mr. Martin and Debbie Moore. She has also been honored as a Coca-Cola scholarship semifinalist.

Suhani is currently working with an ASU professor on research and development of programming algorithms to detect canal anomalies that will help mitigate current drought situations in Arizona. She also runs her own organization fighting animal abuse called “tech for Tails,” hosting computer programming and web page development workshops with all proceeds going to benefit abused animals.

She is a founder of Girls Who Code at Mountain Ridge High and is employed as a sensei at Code Ninjas in Glendale where she instructs younger students in both advanced coding and working with students with special needs.

Suhani will be considered among candidates from all 50 states to be one of 20 named US Presidential Scholars in CTE for 2021. Winners are expected to be named in May.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by executive order to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts.

In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.