5 SoCal Students Named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Five Southern California students have been named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, the U.S. Department of Education announced Thursday.

The students are among 161 high school seniors recognized for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

"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," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. "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."

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 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.

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of two students 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 Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized this summer with an online recognition program.

These are the Southern California students who were named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars:

• Edward Chen, Irvine, Orange County High School of the Arts (Scholar for U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts)
• Ian Byul Kim, Glendale, Harvard-Westlake School (Scholar for U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts)
• Caitlyn Haein Park, Santa Clarita, Saugus High School (Scholar for U.S Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education)
• Erin Park, Chino, Chino High School (Scholar for U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts)
• Kyle Tianshi, San Diego, The Cambridge School