CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to celebrate the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars from the Mountain State. Lauren Jiayi Shen from Morgantown High School (Monongalia County) and Grant Carter Kenamond from Wheeling Park High School (Ohio County) received this honor and are among the country’s top scholars. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona made the announcement today.
Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 awards determined by outstanding performance on the 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. Only 161 high school seniors were selected as Presidential Scholars.
“West Virginia students are world-class scholars, and Lauren and Grant are exceptional ambassadors for our state,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “These students exemplify scholarly accomplishment, excellence and a commitment to civic responsibility that is inspiring. We wish them the very best in their future endeavors.”
The 2024 Presidential Scholars will be acknowledged for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program. Students are recognized based on academic success, artistic and technical excellence, performance in career technical education, and a demonstrated commitment to ethical standards and ideals.
A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available on the U.S. Department of Education website.
For media inquiries, contact Christy Day, West Virginia Department of Education Office of Communications, at 304-558-2699 or Christy.Day@k12.wv.us.
