Old Lyme — Eric Pan, a graduating senior at Lyme-Old Lyme High School, has been named a 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholar. 

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the 51st class of U.S. Presidential Scholars in a news release on Monday. Pan will be among the honorees to receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion at a ceremony on June 21.

"Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence," Duncan said in a statement. "These scholars are poised to make their mark on our nation in every field imaginable: the arts and humanities, science and technology, law and medicine, business and finance, education and government — to name a few. Their academic and artistic achievements reflect a sense of purpose that we should seek to instill in all students to prepare them for college, careers, civic responsibilities, and the challenges of today's job market."

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Barack Obama, selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals, according to the news release.

Pan named his most influential teacher as Glenn Elliott of Niantic, according to the release.

The scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

Evaline Xie of Wilton High School was named the other 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholar for Connecticut.