Three Arkansas high school seniors are among 161 students nationally to be named U.S. Presidential Scholars for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.
The Arkansas students are Jon C. Boekhout, who attends Hot Springs World Class High School; Anika Mittal of Blytheville, a student at KIPP Blytheville Collegiate High School, a charter school; and Ashley Turner, who attends Maumelle High School in the Pulaski County Special School District.
Turner is a Presidential Scholar in career and technical education.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the 54th class of scholars Tuesday.
"These students have pushed themselves to be the best they can be, and I am certain that devotion will serve them well as they continue their individual learning journeys," DeVos said in a prepared statement.
The selected students, who will be honored with Presidential Scholar medallions at a June 24 ceremony, consist of one male and one female student from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad.
There are 15 scholars chosen at large across the country. There are 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts selected and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.
The career and technical education award became part of the basis for selecting scholars in 2015.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
Metro on 05/13/2018