WKU News

Devin Davis (Pictured Left)

Georgetown alumnus Devin Davis ('19, Scott County High School) has been named a 2019 United States Presidential Scholars Semifinalist.

Devin joins a list of 620 other seniors from across the United States who were named semifinalists for the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholar competition.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order of the President, to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

"I am extremely honored to be selected as a semifinalist for the US Presidential Scholars Program,” said Davis.  “I am grateful for the opportunities provided to me by The Gatton Academy and the foundation it has established for me as I move forward to the next chapter of my academic career. I am very thankful for the support I have received from my parents, mentors, and the Gatton staff."

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars’ review committee selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, personal characteristics, leadership, and service activities, in addition to the quality and content of their essays. 

From the nearly 3.6 million graduating high school seniors, more than 5,200 students were identified as candidates in the program. Each year, more than 4,000 candidates are identified for the component of the program that focuses on academic achievement and based on having scored exceptionally well on the SAT or the ACT.  Eligible students are U.S. citizens and legal permanent U.S. residents who will graduate or receive their high school diploma between January and August of the current program year and have taken the ACT or SAT assessment on or before October of the previous year.

“Devin is a wonderful representative of Kentucky and The Gatton Academy.  He is hardworking, intelligent, and unassuming,” states Director of The Gatton Academy Dr. Lynette Breedlove.  “He actively contributes to his community and is a quiet leader.  We look forward to seeing his next steps as he pursues his infinite possibilities.”

If a student is selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar, they will be honored in Washington, D.C. in June.  During this trip, U.S. Presidential Scholars are guests of the U.S. Department of Education and the Commission and enjoy an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with government officials, educators, and other accomplished people.  To commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.

For more information, visit the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented junior and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematical careers. The Gatton Academy has been named to Jay Mathews’ list of top-performing schools with elite students, marking the tenth consecutive appearance.