Powers named 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ainsley Powers, a graduating senior from Brookings High School, has been named as a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar.  

Powers is one of 161 American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service and contribution to school and community.

Powers was recognized as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education. Only two others were recognized as 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars in South Dakota: Jonathan Coronado, Rapid City, Stevens Senior High School; and Katherine Pardy, Sioux Falls, O’Gorman High School.

“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.”  

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored 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. Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,300 candidates qualified for the 2020 awards 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 YoungArts program. 

The 2020 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 from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.   

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,600 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in 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. 

Since 1983, each U.S. Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education.  

The teacher chosen for recognition by Powers was Pamela Zubke of Brookings High School. 

Powers is the daughter of Derrick and Cami Powers of Brookings.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer as public health circumstances permit.