LINCOLN, California — A student in Lincoln was one of nine California students named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, Thursday.
Penelope Oliver, of Folsom, attends Horizon Charter School in Lincoln. She is one of 161 high school seniors recognized nationwide for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, career and technical education fields, according to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
“On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others and embrace opportunities to lead,” Cardona said in a statement.
Oliver told ABC10 she is elated, shocked and still can’t believe this is happening.
“I still haven't gotten over it,” she said. “To me, this means that hard work does pay off, that I'm living proof that dreams and ambition and having compassion and passion to change your community are so powerful.”
Oliver said she does advocacy work within and outside of her nonprofit, All Access Arts, a grassroots organization providing STEM and arts education to different communities including working in shelters four times a week.
At 17-years-old, she interviewed First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom about California's Farm to School program.
Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 awards, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
These students were distinguished by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by state school officers and other partners, the department said.
Oliver said she didn’t take the SAT or ACT, and was instead nominated.
“Whatever journey you're on, you can succeed and continue being yourself,” she said.
Oliver said she plans to attend University of California, Berkeley, to pursue a political science and international relations degree with a minor in human rights.
“I also want to go to law school, and I possibly want to be like a human rights lawyer, or an immigration lawyer or work for the United Nations,” she said.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024. In 1979, the program expanded to include students excelling in visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program grew to those outstanding in career and technical education fields.
A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars can be found HERE.
