May 13, 2021 | Valley High School senior Dorothy Junginger has been named to the 57th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, the Iowa Department of Education (IDOE) announced Thursday, May 13.
The program recognizes up to 161 high school seniors from across the country for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. Junginger is one of three Iowa students to be named U.S. Presidential Scholars — one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.
“Being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar is a great honor, and I congratulate these outstanding students, their families and their schools on this accomplishment,” said Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo in an IDOE news release. “During a very challenging year, these students excelled in the classroom and made a positive difference in their schools and communities.”
According to the news release, Junginger was recognized for academic success. U.S. Presidential Scholars are selected based on their academic achievement, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts, and 20 scholars in career and technical education.
"The 2021 Presidential Scholars represent extraordinary achievements for our extraordinary times," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a U.S. Department of Education news release. "I am delighted to join President Biden in saluting these outstanding young people for their achievements, service, character and continued pursuit of excellence. Their examples make me proud and hopeful about the future. Honoring them can remind us all of the great potential in each new generation and renew our commitment to helping them achieve their dreams."
Students named U.S. Presidential Scholars were also able to nominate a teacher as U.S. Presidential Scholars Distinguished Teachers. Junginger nominated Valley instructor Jana Edwards as a Math Nominating Scholar.
A complete list of 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available on the U.S. Department of Education's website.
Please join us in congratulating Dorothy for being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar!
Valley High School senior Dorothy Junginger.
