U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has announced the 55^th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars. Four of the 161 high school seniors being recognized are from South Carolina. U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2019 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. 

2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars - South Carolina

• Amber Magnuson - South Carolina Governor's School for Arts & Humanities - U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts

• Jackson B Woodward Radcliffe, Dorchester School District Two - Ashley Ridge High School - U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education

• Dashiell Charles Miller Stevanovich, Horry County Schools - Socastee High School

• Jiaying Tong, Greenville County Schools - Riverside High School

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with an annual ceremony in Washington, D.C. 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 2019 ceremony will be held on June 23, where each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion and participate in accompanying events and activities.