Sun Valley Community School senior Jackson Giles has been named a candidate for the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Jackson has been named one of approximately 4,500 candidates, selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2021. According to a news release from the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and United States Department of Education, Jackson’s candidacy was base on either his outstanding performance on the ACT Assessment or the College Board SAT, or nomination by a Chief State School Officer or one of the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars partner recognition organizations.
Head of School Ben Pettit says, "I am delighted for Jackson to be named as a candidate for the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Jackson is a member of the tennis and soccer teams, including this year’s 3A State Champion soccer team, and was a 3-year member of the basketball team. He is also the editor of the school newspaper, The Cutthroat Underground. Beyond his personal accomplishments, Jackson is also an exemplary member of our community. He is a kind and respectful young man. I am thrilled that he is being recognized for his hard work and deep commitment to his studies.”
Each spring, the Commission on Presidential Scholars names up to 161 distinguished graduating high school seniors as U.S. Presidential Scholars. Being selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar is one of the highest honors our nation’s high school students may receive. You can find more detailed information about the program on our website at www.ed.gov/psp .
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.