Josh Abreo, at left, and Sunny Chennupati of James Clemens High School have been selected as candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Joshua C. ‘Josh’ Abreo and Sai P. ‘Sunny’ Chennupati of James Clemens High School have been selected as candidates in the 2015 United States Presidential Scholars Program.

Only 59 Alabama seniors were nominated. Program officials select students based on SAT or ACT scores, artistic achievements, leadership, strong character and community involvement.

“I’m active in quite a few clubs and organizations throughout my school and community,” Abreo said. He is a member of National Honor Society and cross-country team, is Quiz Bowl captain and volunteers at Crestwood Hospital.

A National Merit Semifinalist, Abreo has compiled science awards: Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, finalist and special award winner; National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, finalist; Siemens Competition for Math, Science and Technology, semifinalist; and Alabama State Science and Engineering Fair, first place.

His parents are Dennis and Felicia Abreo. He works as a software engineer for Bentley Systems. She works as a tax advisor at H&R Block. Josh’s 15-year-old sister Michelle is a James Clemens junior.

Josh has applied to a mix of in-state, out-of-state and private universities. He will major in engineering, either the chemical or electrical discipline.

Chennupati participates in Math Team as captain, Scholars Bowl, Science Olympiad and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). He was undefeated in district Science Bowl and won third place in state Science Bowl competition.

“I qualified for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination by achieving the American Mathematics Competitions 12 Honor Roll,” Chennupati said. He scored first in the nation in the National Assessment and Testing Ciphering Time Trials.

His parents are Rama and Jayanthi Chennupati.

Sunny’s top three college choices are Brown University, Vanderbilt University and the University of Miami. “My prospective major will be in either the arts or the humanities (English and medical anthropology are good options) as part of my pre-medicine track,” he said.

“Vestavia Hills High School is the only system with as many candidates as Madison City Schools,” district college and career advisor Sheila P. Roberts said.