Photo courtesy of Alabama School of Fine Arts
Kevan McClaflin.
Kevan McClaflin, a 2019 graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts and Shoal Creek resident, recently was chosen as one of just 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
The award, presented on behalf of the president, is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. 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.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the 55th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.
Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,200 candidates qualified for the initial level of 2019 awards determined by performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams or through nominations.
The 2019 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.
As a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, McClaflin traveled to Washington D.C. in June for several days of recognition activities. The scholars met with government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other leaders. Scholars also visit museums and monuments in the capital and attend recitals, receptions and ceremonies held in their honor. In addition to these activities, the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts have the opportunity to display their artwork in an exhibition and perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
McClaflin said, “Being a Presidential Scholar in the Arts means so much to me. It's a deep honor and I am still partially in disbelief. It makes me feel as though all of my hard work, stress, and long nights have all paid off.”
He will attend Minneapolis College of Art and Design in the fall and will likely major in painting, with a minor in art history.
Submitted by Alabama School of Fine Arts