Waukon High School senior Alaina Gebel named candidate in U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Alaina Gebel ...
Alaina Gebel ...

Alaina Gebel, a graduating senior at Waukon High School and the daughter of Nate and Tami Gebel of rural Lansing, has been named a Career and Technical Education candidate as part of the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The Career and Technical Education candidates were nominated by their Chief State School Officers based on their accomplishments in career and technical education fields.

Gebel was chosen as one of 67 high school senior candidates from all nominations across the state of Iowa. She was one of five state of Iowa nominations selected within the Career and Technical Education Department.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of this nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creatives and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the 161 Scholars in May. Of these, up to 20 will be selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.

U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program each June. To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.

For general information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, contact Presidential.Scholars@ed.gov or visit http://www.ed.gov/psp. For general information on the Arts component of the program, visit http://www.youngarts.org. For specific questions regarding the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program application, contact PSP@scholarshipamerica.org or 507-931-8345.