Aiden Kortjohn, a senior at Yelm High School, was selected as one of over 5,000 candidates for the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Candidates for the program were selected from 3.6 million students who are expected to graduate from American high schools in 2023.
“Just last week I had the opportunity to observe Aiden during a mock legislative hearing in his AP government class,” Yelm High School Principal Curtis Cleveringa said. “He is a natural leader with unlimited potential and I can’t wait to see him impact our community.”
Yelm Community Schools Superintendent Brian Wharton said being a candidate for the prestigious program is an incredible honor and accomplishment.
“Very few seniors in each state achieve this level of recognition. This will be the third consecutive year a YHS senior has become a candidate,” Wharton said. “Molly Corak earned this recognition in 2022 and Dylan Jemtegaard in 2021. It is definitely something of which Aiden, the school, and our community should be extremely proud.”
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors a graduating high school senior can obtain, stated a news release from the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office. Scholars are selected on a basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.
Each year, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be chosen from among the graduating class of that year, stated the release. The selected scholars are said to represent excellence in education and “the promise of greatness in America’s youth.”
The program was established in 1964 by executive order of the president to recognize some of the nation’s most decorated graduating seniors for their accomplishments in areas like academic success, leadership and service to their school and community, stated the release.
It was later expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts departments.
Then in 2015, the program was expanded again to honor students that demonstrate an ability and accomplishments in career and technical fields.
In April, a “distinguished” panel of educators will review the submissions and select approximately 600 finalists, stated the release. The scholars will officially be announced in May by the Commission on Presidential Scholars. The commission consists of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the president.
Finally in June, the U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program. In celebration of their academic achievement, the scholars are presented with Presidential Scholars medallions.
