Lakes High School senior Dylan Pant is one of five students from Washington State to win a U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education. This is one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.
Mr. Pant recognized Lakes teacher Randy Wilson as an Outstanding Teacher in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor America's most outstanding high school graduates. In 2015, the program was expanded to recognize students who have demonstrated ability and accomplishment in the career and technical education field.
Pant is an active member of the Lakes DECA program. He serves as one of the school's student store managers and has qualified to compete in the student store division of the International DECA Conference in Anaheim, Calif., in April.
He has a strong interest in computer science, serves as a page for District 28 Senator Twina Nobles, and enjoys volunteering in the Lakewood community as a member of the Lakewood Youth Council.
Of the more than 3.7 million students expected to graduate high school this year, more than 5,700 will be eligible for the award in 2024, with up to 161 students selected for the honor each year. Once selected, candidates complete an essay and self-assessment and submit their school evaluation and transcripts. A panel of judges will then evaluate the candidates on their academic performance, personal characteristics, leadership and service, and essay analysis. The White House Presidential Scholars Committee then selects the student to receive the award.
Scholars are asked to name the teacher they consider most influential in terms of their knowledge, skills, and impact on the school community. Mr. Pant chose to recognize Wilson for this honor.
“Mr. Wilson told me one day that I was qualified and that I should apply,” Ms. Pant said. “When I look at students in the program, they use a very holistic perspective, so I knew I would be evaluated based on everything I had done in school and in the community.”
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars will receive a residential medallion to commemorate their accomplishments in this summer's online National Recognition Program.
