A Macomb County teenager is being honored as one of this year's US Presidential Scholars.
Daniel Mathew is a senior at Henry Ford II HS in Sterling Heights. The 17-year-old is among 160 kids from across the country receiving this top honor.
"I was ecstatic when I found out," says Daniel Mathew.
The US Presidential Scholars are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.
Daniel, who got a perfect 36 on his ACT, is also the class valedictorian. He's also a National Merit Scholar who wants to become a cardiologist.
When it comes to his success, he gives a lot of credit to his family, friends and his teachers.
"This is not something I could have done by myself at all," he says.
His principal, Kenneth Cucchi, says Daniel isn't just smart, he's also a humble young man who is "intrinsically motivated".
Daniel is taking some special guests to DC with him for the Presidential Scholars ceremony where he will get to meet President Obama. His grandmother is flying in from India and he's also taking his Math teacher, Mr. Ersig.
Daniel insists he wouldn't have been able to achieve his goals had it not been for his incredible family, friends and teachers.
"This isn't a journey by myself. I'm super grateful for all that they do. I couldn't have gotten here without them."
Before Daniel goes to DC on June 19th, he'll stop by Broadcast House this Saturday, May 14th to be honored as one of Channel 7's Brightest and Best.
