Three Spring Valley Discovery Seniors Named Presidential Scholar Candidates

Elizabeth Dillon, Isak Jatoi, and Gillian Patton have been selected as candidates for the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Each of these Discovery students has excelled while at Spring Valley High School. 

Elizabeth Dillon is a senior in the Discovery magnet program and a National Merit Finalists. She plays French horn in the Symphonic Band. She spends her free time reading, tutoring, and being involved with her church. While she enjoys all subjects, she plans to study English and Latin in college.


Isak Jatoi is a senior in the Discovery magnet program and a National Merit Finalist. He is the founder and president of the Spring Valley Quiz Bowl team, which has won multiple tournaments throughout South Carolina and has qualified for the High School National Championship Tournament in Atlanta, GA, on May 24-26, 2019. Outside of school, he can be found taking photographs, reading a novel, or watching an indie film. In college, he looks forward to studying Biochemistry and Global Studies.

Gillian Patton is a senior in the Discovery magnet program and a National Merit Finalist., She has done research concerning a new method of treatment for Alzheimer's disease. She is a part of Mock Trial, Circle of Friends, Student Council, Latin Club, and Mu Alpha Theta at Spring Valley. She also plays the violin in the South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.