Kaylee McCabe in running to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar

January 20, 2023

The U.S. Department of Education has announced the candidates for the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, and an amazing group of high school seniors from Idaho are now in the running to receive this prestigious recognition, including Kaylee McCabe, who graduated from North Idaho College in December with her associate's degree and will graduate Bonners Ferry High School a semester early with a 4.5 grade point average.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.

Kaylee, the daughter of Lael Alexander and Bill McCabe, plans to attend Boise State University in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry and the attend medical school to become a forensic pathologist.

Students cannot apply directly nor can their schools nominate them. Each year, approximately 4,000 students are invited to apply to the program.

She is now working to put together her application package for the Presidential Scholars Program, due at the end of February. In late March, approximately 500 semifinalists are chosen by an independent, national committee of educators convened by the Commission on Presidential Scholars. Six to 20 semifinalists are identified for each state/jurisdiction by the review committee. The number of semifinalists identified per state/jurisdiction is based on a proportionate number of test takers for that state.

In mid-April approximately 800 semifinalists are chosen by a review committee of qualified individuals experienced in secondary and post-secondary education. Six to twenty Semifinalists are identified for each state/jurisdiction.

In May, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of eminent private citizens appointed by the President across the country, representing the fields of education, medicine, law, social services, business and other professions makes the final selection of up to 161 Presidential Scholars. One male student and one female Scholar are chosen from each state, the District of Columbia, the territory of Puerto Rico and from U.S. citizens and legal residents living abroad, whose parents are also U.S. citizens. In addition, up to fifteen Scholars are chosen at-large.

In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final selection of that year's Presidential Scholars; 121 students. One young man and one young woman are chosen from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad. In addition, up to 15 students are chosen at large.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is not a scholarship program, but a recognition program. For over 58 years, this unique federal program has honored over 8,000 U.S. Presidential Scholars, who have demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and contribution to school and community. U.S Presidential Scholars are flown to Washington, D.C. each June, where they are awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion.