Find out which 3 Iowa seniors have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars
Three Iowa students are among 161 high school seniors to be named U.S. Presidential Scholars.
Pleasant Valley Community High School senior Kavya Kalathur of Bettendorf, Chariton High School senior Maxwell J. Aulwes of Chariton, and West High School senior Jonathan Chen of Iowa City have earned a spot as part of the program's 58th class, the U.S. Department of Education announced today. Aulwes was chosen as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in career and technical education. Kalathur and Chen were recognized for academic success.
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Students are chosen based on grades, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, and their commitment to community service and leadership. Students are selected from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad. Additionally, 15 students are chosen at large, 20 scholars in the arts, and 20 scholars in career and technical education.
The Des Moines Register broke the news to a stunned Aulwes while he was working at the Vision II Movie Theatre in Chariton Thursday afternoon.
The teen credits his hard work in school, student government, volunteering and time spent as president of Future Business Leaders of America as part of the reason he was named a scholar.
"My whole high school career has been kind of dedicated towards bettering myself, my school and my community," he said.
Kalathur spoke with the Register during a free moment at school.
Kalathur credits her passion for sustainability and interest in math for helping her to earn the designation.
"I don't think I could have done it without having exceptional teachers and people supporting me," she said.
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This seniors were praised by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona for demonstrating strength "throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation’s history and amid our recovery from the pandemic."
“Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "Today, I join President (Joe) Biden to celebrate a class of scholars whose pursuit of knowledge, generosity of spirit, and exceptional talents bring our nation tremendous pride."
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Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo also praised the students for earning " one of the nation's highest honors for high school students."
“I am proud to join the family, friends and school communities of each of our scholars in congratulating them on their accomplishments," Lebo said.
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An online recognition program will be held for the recipients this summer.
Samantha Hernandez covers education for the Register. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @svhernandez or Facebook at facebook.com/svhernandezreporter.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 3 Iowa high school seniors named 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars
