U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today announced the selection of Audrey Yeung of Laramie,  Wyoming, who attends Laramie High School in Laramie, as a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar.  

Yeung is one of 161 outstanding American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic  achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and  community.  

“U.S. Presidential Scholars have always represented the future of our country and the bright promise it holds. I  want each of these remarkable students to know: your passion and intellect, pursuit of excellence, and spirit of  service are exactly what our country needs,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of  President Biden, I am delighted to join your family, friends, and communities in celebrating your  

accomplishments. Aim high, share your talents, and continue embracing opportunities to lead as your exciting  future unfolds.” 

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success,  artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community  service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. 

Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,000 candidates qualified for  the 2023 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through  nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the  National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists. 

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man  and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as  well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the arts and 20 Scholars in career and technical education. Created in  1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,000 of the nation’s top-performing students. The  program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and  performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and  accomplishment in career and technical education fields. 

Since 1983, each U.S. Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential  teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education. The teacher  chosen for recognition by Yeung was Whitney Martin of Laramie High School in Laramie, Wyoming.  

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an  online recognition program. 

A complete list of 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp/.