McKenzie Rozek, a United States Presidential Scholars Program candidate, is the 2015 valedictorian at Madison Academy. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – McKenzie Rozek, a senior at Madison Academy, has been selected as a candidate 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.

“When my dad gave me the envelope, I was expecting it was from the National Merit Scholarship Program,” Rozek said. “I was surprised and truly honored.”

Rozek scored 2230 on the SAT (reading, 800; math, 740; and English, 690). “It’s nice to have those efforts recognized,” she said.

At Madison Academy, Rozek has mastered several advanced-placement courses. “From freshman biology through human physiology and AP biology, sciences have remained my favorite subjects,” she said. She has participated in the Biotech Academy with HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology.

She is Anchor Club and Mu Alpha Theta president, Spanish Club vice president, Optimist Club historian and a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. For 2014-2015, Rozek is North Alabama regional director for Anchor Club.

Rozek is Madison Academy’s 2015 valedictorian. She is a National Merit Finalist, Madison Academy Student of Distinction and President’s List scholar throughout high school.

As Relay for Life team captain since 2012, her teams have raised close to $10,000 for the American Cancer Society. She volunteers for National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Asbury United Methodist Church and Broadway Theater League. She works at Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center.

Rozek will study biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and continue in master’s study in biological sciences.

Her parents are Larry and Kim Rozek of Madison. He works as logistics management specialist with LOGSA. She is a Sci-Quest educator.

“We didn’t think it was possible to be more proud of McKenzie; then, she received this prestigious recognition,” her parents said. “Her academic excellence is equal to her kind heart and service to others. We know she will go on to excel at UAB. We look forward to what this next chapter in life holds for her.”