UPDATE: On May 10, 2023, Jay Patel was selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education. He is the only representative from Ohio and one of twenty in the United States. Patel was nominated by his instructor and chosen for his outstanding academic achievements and success in career tech education.
Jay Patel, a senior in the Biomedical Science program at Butler Tech’s Bioscience Center, was selected as one of five Presidential Scholar Nominees for the Ohio Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) in November 2022. Patel was nominated by his instructor and chosen for his outstanding academic achievements and success in career education. Patel then applied to the US Department of Education U.S. Presidential Scholars program and was recently named a Semifinalist meaning Patel is among 628 students who have been selected from a pool of over 5,000 candidates. He will now move on to the next phase of the competition and await the May announcement of the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education!
“Regardless of the final outcome, we wish to congratulate you,” read the announcement letter. “It is a great honor and an exceptional accomplishment to have reached the semifinalist phase in this highly selective and prestigious program. The Commission appreciates your participation in the program and values your outstanding achievements.”
By taking 16+ college classes and two capstone courses, Patel will graduate from high school with an associate’s degree in science and a phlebotomy technician certification this May. According to Mink, he is consistently a top-performing student in his classes, maintaining a 4.78 GPA despite working at his family business and being actively involved in extracurriculars. As a junior, Patel was selected for a highly competitive program that allows high school students to learn directly from healthcare professionals in the hospital setting. He was also elected U.S. High School Team Leader for the United Planet Global Health Program – an eco-activism initiative that pairs students from across the United States with students in Baghdad. His team designed a social media campaign that shared information about global warming with the citizens of both countries.
“In my 21 years of teaching, I have encountered few students who match Jay Patel’s drive, focus, and initiative,” shared Danielle Mink, PLTW Biomedical Sciences Instructor in her nomination letter for Patel.
“Butler Tech has set me up to achieve my goals through resources that it has provided me such as opportunities to shadow doctors, network, and the ability for me to take college classes which have all helped me in developing my passion and allowed me to get a step in the right direction for my goals,” explained Patel. “My instructors have pushed me relentlessly, finding and serving me with a full plate of opportunities that I gladly took.”
Patel volunteers regularly with a variety of community organizations. Most notable is his work with the Spiritual Care department at a local hospital. Being multilingual, he is able to help break the communication barrier by translating for patients. In an effort to improve the care of the hospital’s growing Hindu population, he was able to connect the hospital staff with leaders of a local Hindu religious center. Patel also devotes countless hours to Butler Tech – through National Technical Honor Society activities/events, serving on the HOSA leadership team in an effort to increase student body engagement in CTSO-related activities, and as a student representative at local and district business advisory meetings. Patel also serves as a Butler Tech Student Ambassador and assists with recruitment efforts across the district.
“At his core, Jay is a “helper” – he cares deeply about improving the lives of others, so it comes as no surprise that he wishes to use his talents in the health care field,” shares Mink.
“As one of his teachers, I cannot wait to see where he takes his path – his work ethic, dedication, passion, and empathy for others combine to make him an absolute joy to have in my life. I can’t imagine a more fitting individual to represent the state of Ohio as a Career Technical Presidential Scholar.”
After graduation, Patel plans to attend college to major in Biology or Biomedical Engineering on a premed track. He would eventually like to attend New York University for medical school.