Van Der Kamp named Presidential Scholar

161. Only 161 American high school seniors were selected as 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars and PCM’s Blake Van Der Kamp made the list.

Van Der Kamp and his fellow scholars were selected for the honor after demonstrating  outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to school and community.

“I am excited to announce that ... I was notified that I will be part of the 56th class of United States Presidential Scholars representing Career Technical Education,” Van Der Kamp said. “In any typical year, I would have been told that this meant I am going to Washington D.C. to share this honor with the President of United States. However, as we all know things change as with COVID-19.”

Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,300 candidates qualified for the 2020 awards. The candidates were determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations or the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArtsTM program.

Two scholars are selected from each state, one male and one female along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and from U.S. Families living abroad, 15 scholar chosen at-large and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts and 20 in Career and Technical Education.

“It is my privilege to congratulate the Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 on their outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership,” U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said. “These exemplary young people have excelled inside the classroom and out. And, while they are facing unprecedented challenges as they graduate from high school into a world that looks much different than it did just a few months ago, their determination, resilience and commitment to excellence will serve them well as they pursue their next steps.”

Each scholar can selected a teacher who influenced them the most while in school. Van Der Kamp selected agricultural education instructor Amber Samson, who will received a personal letter from the Secretary of Education.

“Perhaps, one of the most amazing opportunities of all is that I can share this moment with my mentor, teacher, advisor, and friend Mrs. Amber Samson as she will forever go down in history as a Distinguished Teacher by the United State Department of Education,” Van Der Kamp said. “I am forever thankful for the being a part of the PCM Community. You have all provided me with the amazing opportunities to succeed and grow as an individual. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to help put Prairie City and the State of Iowa in history with the Department of Education.”

Van Der Kamp will attend Iowa State University in the fall with focus in food science and agriculture communication.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com