Michael Peters

It’s not that often that a student receives a national honor but a student who lives in Lehigh Acres who will graduate in June from Riverdale High School, has been recognized for superior academic achievement by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).

The announcement was made by the NSHSS and said that Michael S. Peters has been selected for membership into the group.

Yun Mi Yi, a spokesman for NSHSS said the society recognizes top scholars and invites only those students who have achieved academic excellence. NSHSS Founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, made the announcement.

Peters, 18, who is the son of Richard and Amanda Jones of Hibiscus Ave. in Lehigh plans to graduate from Riverdale on June 4. After a short summer, he will attend Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

“It’s a small private college and I like that,” Peters said.

His mom, Amanda, said she was very happy for her son and the recognition that he has been given, but she is going to be upset when he leaves home for college.

“I’m just a mother and he’s my boy,” she said.

Peters is a standout students with his grades and this is one of the reasons he was chosen to receive the recognition from the National Society of High School Scholars.

“We’re really proud of Michael,” his mom said. “He has gone through so many problems with his neck and back, different surgeries, etc., but he is doing fine now and we could not be happier.”

The national Society’s chairman, Claes Nobel said Peters was recognized because of the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that he had demonstrated to achieve this level of academic excellence.

“Michael is now a member of a unique community of scholars – a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”

James Lewis, NSHSS’ president, said the organization’s vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources, and opportunities.

Membership in NSHSS entitles qualified students to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including scholarship opportunities, academic competition, free events, member-only resources, publications, participation in programs offered by educational partners, online forums, personalized recognition items and publicity honors.

Peters said he likes to play basketball and he loves swimming. The young man appears to have a maturity not seen in students as young as he is. His mother said Peters has been a good kid.

“He doesn’t drink and run around with the kids that do,” she said.

Peters is undecided what he may major in but he said he is leaning toward some type of engineering degree. He has received more than $30,000 in scholarships so far and his mother said that is a welcomed gift for the family.

Peters says college starts sometime in mid- August.

“I’m looking forward for him to attend college, but when they leave the roost, it is extremely hard to let them go,” she said smiling.