Hanford High Students Nominated As Presidential Scholars

Join the district in congratulating Alexa Best and Michael Pham for being nominated by state education officials for the U.S. Presidential Scholar award.

Alexa and Michael are among 20 students selected by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to be considered for the national award, which is determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

They are the first Hanford High students to be nominated for the award since 1989 and this is the first time the school has had two students nominated in the same year.

 “Our community and Falcon Family are very proud of them and know they will represent us well,” says Principal Tory Christensen. “These kids can do whatever they strive to do.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program began in 1964 with the intent to honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. It has expanded over the years to recognize students with exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts as well as in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars.

Federal education officials will select the final winners from each state in early 2019. Finalists receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to attend an awards ceremony at the White House and tour the nation’s capital city.

Alexa has applied to Whitworth University, Gonzaga University and University of Washington with the goal of eventually working in orthopedic medicine. Michael has applied to University of Washington, University of Southern California and University of Pennsylvania as he works toward a career in medical research.