Penelope Oliver of Folsom attends Horizon Charter School in Lincoln. She is one of 161 high school seniors nationwide to be recognized for their accomplishments.
LINCOLN, Calif. — A Lincoln student on Thursday was one of nine California students selected as a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
Penelope Oliver of Folsom attends Horizon Charter School in Lincoln. She is one of 161 high school seniors nationwide to be recognized for her achievements in academics, arts, career and technical education, according to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
“On behalf of President Biden, I am pleased to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high and embrace opportunities to uplift and lead others,” Cardona said in a statement. .
Oliver told ABC10 he is overjoyed and shocked but still can't believe this is happening.
“I haven’t recovered from it yet,” she said. “For me, this means that hard work pays off, and it means that I am living proof that dreams and ambition, compassion and passion for changing a community are very powerful.”
Oliver said she does advocacy work both inside and outside of the nonprofit All Access Arts, a grassroots organization that provides STEM and arts education to various communities, including working at a shelter four days a week.
At age 17, she interviewed First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom about California's Farm to School program.
Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 award, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The department said these students achieved outstanding results through strong performance on the College Board's SAT or ACT exams or through nominations by state school officials and other partners.
Oliver said she did not take the SAT or ACT and was instead appointed.
“No matter what journey you're on, you can be successful and still be yourself,” she said.
Oliver said she plans to attend the University of California, Berkeley, to earn a degree in political science and international relations, with a minor in human rights.
“I want to go to law school and maybe become a human rights lawyer, an immigration lawyer, or work for the United Nations,” she said.
Founded in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2024. In 1979, the program was expanded to include students who excel in the visual, literary, and performing arts. In 2015, the program expanded to include top talent in career and technical education.
A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars can be found here.
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