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By DANIELLE CAPALBO

Villager Staff Writer


WILTON -- Three million. Three thousand. One hundred and forty-one.

Those numbers tell a story for Sarah H. Gustafson, an 18-year-old senior from Wilton High School described by one teacher as versatile, intellectually curious and focused.

Gustafson began the school year as one of three million high school students nationwide slated to graduate in spring. Soon, she was one of 3,000 candidates for the prestigious Presidential Scholar title, based on her exemplary performance on standardized tests. Finally, through essay-writing and an extensive application, she joined the cadre of 141 Presidential Scholars hand-selected by a special White House commission.

"I felt incredibly humbled," she said. "I know that just to be a candidate or a semi-finalist takes a lot, and all of the other semi-finalists doubtless were outstanding candidates."

Every year since 1964, the United States Presidential Scholars Program recognizes some of the best and brightest in academics and the arts, including students from Puerto Rico and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars ultimately chooses up to 121 Academic Scholars, like Gustafson, and 20 Arts Scholars.

In June, Gustafson will travel to Washington, D.C., for a medallion ceremony and the opportunity to meet different members of the government -- a particularly exciting prospect for Gustafson, who founded Wilton's Teen Republicans, participates in Model Congress at WHS and interned for then-U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4, during the last re-election campaign.

"It'll be a wonderful weekend," she said.

Gustafson, like all Presidential Scholars, had the opportunity to choose an influential educator to attend the events in Washington, D.C., and receive a Teacher Recognition Award. She chose Max Gabrielson, who has taught Gustafson Latin and Ancient Greek since her freshman year and worked with her outside of class to prepare for the AP Virgil exam.

"What struck me immediately about Mr. Gabrielson is that he approaches Latin and the classics as a way to train the mind for whatever you're going to do in life," she said. "It's a life skills class."

Gabrielson said he was "profoundly honored" to be identified by Gustafson.

"Sarah is an extraordinary student and I have been privileged to teach her," he said. "She's a remarkably versatile person with a wide range of interests -- in academics, ballet and community services, for instance."

Gustafson is a lifelong ballerina, she said, who appreciates the discipline of dance and the way it marries tradition and innovation.

"It fuels me," she said.

Gustafson is also co-president of the student board for "A Better Chance," a program that brings inner-city students to suburban classrooms.

The Wilton Board of Education will honor Gustafson at a public meeting on May 27, and Gustafson said principal Timothy Canty is preparing to honor Gustafson during the school's end-of-year award ceremony.

"I'm thrilled," she said.

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