Two Wyoming Students Named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced Wednesday the 59th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields. The Wyoming scholars include Cameron Nicholas Reckard from Sheridan High School and Audrey Su-Wai Yeung from Laramie High School. According to the U.S. Department of Education, The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,000 candidates qualified for the 2023 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists. Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,000 of the nation’s top-performing students.

The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.