LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The White House will recognize the 2024 Presidential Scholars for their outstanding achievements this year. A total of 161 students were selected, including one student from the Las Vegas area.
High school life is full of ups and downs, but Samuel Chen was focused on finding his passion.
“These passions may constantly change throughout your life, but I think you have to keep moving and keep moving forward,” Chen said.
That perspective is part of Chen's success at Clark High School. Recently, he was named his 2024 United States Presidential Scholar.
“I saw the email after my AP test at school and thought it was amazing,” he explained.
“They should be appointed based solely on their academic test scores, and then there's a fairly extensive application process,” he added.
This is the 60th class to be selected by the White House Committee on Presidential Scholars. Scholars have demonstrated excellence in academics, the arts, careers, community service and technical education.
Chen is one of two students selected from Nevada. Besides, he will graduate with his 4.95 GPA.
“Early in high school, I joined DECA, which was a more business-oriented club,” Chen said.
Chen and one of his colleagues won first place for their innovation plan at the DECA International Career Development Conference, which led to Chen's nomination.
“I have been involved in materials research throughout high school, mainly in junior high and high school, but basically it was just research into things like solar cells. [or] “It's a fuel cell,” he says. “My friends and I have basically designed a new packaging material that slows down the ripening of fruits and vegetables.”
He hopes this project will pave the way for environmental change.
“I want to do something that gives me a sense of purpose,” Chen said.
Being a Presidential Scholar is more than just an award. It shows that you are not afraid to explore and are persistent in your goals.
“I don't know if it's right for me, and it's hard to know what my future holds,” Chen said.
No matter how long it takes you to achieve your goals, don't quit.
Another student graduating with this award attends The Meadows School in Las Vegas. Samuel Chen was accepted and will attend Stanford University.
