BOISE – Two exceptional high school seniors have been selected as Idaho’s 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars. They will be recognized alongside peers from around the country with one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. This year, 161 students nationwide were selected for the award.
Austin Jackson Giffen of Timberline High School in Boise and Hayoon Lee, also of Timberline High School were selected by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars for recognition 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.
“The 161 high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead.”
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 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.
“These two bright scholars exemplify what it means to be fully prepared for the next step in their educational experiences,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. “Whether they are proving themselves in the classroom or are demonstrating a commitment to community outside of it, Hayoon and Austin are shining examples of all-around achievement. I want to congratulate them on standing out nationally with this distinction, as well as the Timberline High School community for helping prepare these exceptional students for success after their K-12 journey ends.”
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 and has honored over 8,200 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. 2024 is the program’s 60th anniversary.
The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program. A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp. A link to the U.S. Department of Education’s news release announcing the awards is available here.