The United States Achievement Academy announced that Emily Espinoza from Fuquay-Varina, N.C., has been recognized by the United States Achievement Academy as a student of excellence in history and government.

This is a prestigious honor very few students can hope to attain. In fact, the Academy recognizes fewer than 10 percent of all American high school students.

Emily Espinoza, who attended Holly Ridge Middle, was nominated for this honor by Kristen Hermida, a teacher at the school. Emily is now a student at Fuquay-Varina Middle. She will appear in the United States Achievement Academy’s Official Yearbook, which is published nationally.

“Recognizing and supporting our youth is more important than ever before in America’s history. Certainly, United States Achievement Academy students should be congratulated and appreciated for their dedication to excellence and achievement,” said Dr. George Stevens, founder of the United States Achievement Academy.

The academy recognizes students upon the exclusive recommendation of teachers, coaches, counselors and other qualified sponsors and upon the Standards for Selection set forth by the academy. The Standards for Selection include academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, attitude and cooperative spirit, dependability and recommendation from a qualified sponsor.

Emily is the daughter of Lisa and John Easter from Fuquay-Varina, N.C. The grandparents are Pat Caufman of Fuquay-Varina and Karen Easter of Warsaw, Ky.