Former student of Rukuhia School William Murray, who is currently living in Seattle, has been named one of this year's 161 Presidential Scholars for the United States.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects recipients annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
William's father Stuart manages the Gates Foundation endowment and used to go to Hamilton Boys' High School. Before moving to Seattle in 2015, William spent his childhood moving between the UK, Dubai, the US and New Zealand.
Waikato-born, William is the grandson of Robin Murray of Cambridge and Raewyn Murray of Hamilton.