BY ANNELIESE TURCK

Sun Valley Community School senior, Jackson Giles, has been named a candidate to receive the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. He is 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 based 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.

"I am delighted for Jackson to be named as a candidate for the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program,” said Head of School, Ben Pettit. “Jackson is a member of the tennis and soccer teams, including this year’s 3A State Champion soccer team, and was a three-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 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. Selection as a U.S. Presidential Scholar is one of the highest honors the nation’s high school students may receive.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by executive order of the President to recognize and honor some of the 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.