A senior from Sun Valley Community School has been named a candidate for the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Jackson Giles has been named one of approximately 4,500 candidates, selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2021. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
According to a news release from the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and United States Department of Education, Gile’s candidacy was based on either his outstanding performance on the ACT Assessment or the College Board SAT, or nomination by a Chief State School Officer or one of the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars partner recognition organizations.
Giles is a member of the tennis and soccer teams, including this year’s 3A State Champion soccer team, and was a three-year member of the basketball team. He is also the editor of the school newspaper, “The Cutthroat Underground.”
“Beyond his personal accomplishments, Jackson is also an exemplary member of our community. He is a kind and respectful young man. I am thrilled that he is being recognized for his hard work and deep commitment to his studies,” Head of School Ben Pettit said.