Katie Klein
College: Stanford University
Major: Environmental Engineering
James Pierce
College: Undecided
Major: Mathematics
Established in 1964, the U. S. Presidential Scholars Program was designed to honor high achieving students in academic, arts and career/technical fields. Through an invitation-based process, Klein and Pierce were both chosen by the Department of Education to apply to be one of the 161 national finalists through their SAT/ACT scores.
“There are 6,000 [students] who were chosen [as candidates] out of all high school seniors,” Klein said. “I didn’t read [the letter] very thoroughly, [then] James’ mom told the school and everyone was telling me congrats and I didn’t really know for what.”
After being selected as a candidate, applicants filled out an application that included six essays. If chosen as a finalist by the White House Commission of Presidential Scholars, students receive an honor and have the chance to appear on national television. Klein said her selection was based on her ACT score.
“Kirkwood has good teachers who care about their students,” Klein said. “[KHS] does a good job of [giving students] a path [for their academics.]”
The Department of Education will release the finalists of those who completed the application in May. Pierce said his selection was based on his SAT score.
“[KHS] has prepared me well for going into college and for work after college,” Pierce said. “The freedom in what classes I want to take and what subjects I want to go into was helpful to [figure] out what I’d be interested in [after KHS.]”
While at KHS, Klein has been involved in many activities. She is both a state medalist in cross country and track, a member of symphonic orchestra and president of National Honor Society.
“I love the sports teams I’m on,” Klein said. “[They] are so fun and have been so amazing the past four years.”
Klein also said her participation in the community is through playing double bass in the orchestra. Pierce is a part of the cross country team, ultimate frisbee and many tutoring programs.
“[My favorite thing about KHS is] how many activities and communities inside those activities you can find,” Pierce said. “There’s a lot of different opportunities to get involved.”
