Tristan Lee is a senior at the Engineering & Technologies Academy at Roosevelt High School.
“Lee is one of 161 outstanding American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to school and community,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
Lee is one of just seven Presidential Scholars from Texas and the only one from the San Antonio area.
“My parents were speechless,” said Lee. “I am still more in shock than anything. Just of the fact that I was able to attract national attention for what I have done and that the way I have been able to motivate others has had an impact.”
The U.S. Presidential Scholar can name their most influential teacher, and Lee named his eighth-grade English teacher from Krueger Middle School, Benjamin Femmel.
“He really motivated me to get me out of my shell,” said Lee. “He put me as the opening act of the talent show, much to my objection, but that really helped me learn I wanted to be more extroverted. And that motivated me to try whatever I wanted to do, which got me to this point.”
Lee has been very involved in JRTOC and Cyberpatriots during his time at North East ISD.
He is now weighing full-ride scholarships to UTSA and the Naval Academy.
Congratulations, Tristan!
