Published: May 27, 2008 03:53 pm         

NEW: Gov. Daniels in Terre Haute to honor South senior

TERRE HAUTE — Gov. Mitch Daniels made a surprise visit to Terre Haute South Vigo High School today to announce that senior Swara Kopparty is “Indiana Miss Science,” the inaugural winner of the annual Hoosier High School Science Award.

Kopparty was selected from among 160 candidates by a panel of high school science teachers, university science professors, Department of Education staff, and science professionals. The winners were chosen solely on the basis of academic achievement and test scores. McGraw-Hill Education is providing the winner with a $2,000 academic scholarship.

“It's past time to give our top math and science students at least as much praise and recognition as we have always showered on our athletes. Honestly, Indiana and America's future success is far more dependent on young people like Swara and Sam,” said Daniels, who earlier today

presented the Hoosier High School Math Award to Samuel Dittmer of Zionsville Community High School.

Kopparty is the daughter of Bhaskara Kopparty and Surekha Kopparty.

Selection criteria included SAT, ACT and Advanced Placement scores, awards and prizes earned, and grades in science.