Congratulations Liza Wimbish for qualifying for the semifinals of the 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholarships, which recognizes exemplary talent in creative arts, high scores on the SAT/ACT, or ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Out of 5,300 students, Wimbish was recognized as a candidate for this scholarship and was selected as one of the 630 semifinalists to compete in the final competition. As one of the highest honors for a high school student, Wimbish will attend the National Recognition Program held in the Washington D.C. to meet with government officials and other unique and accomplished educators. All finalists will receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at the ceremony. Congratulations Liza Wimbish and good luck!

How did you enter this prestigious program?

For the creative arts, to be nominated you have to join the YoungArts Foundation, and I was named a National YoungArts Foundation Finalist for my photography; from there, I was recognized as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts Semifinalist.

Were you surprised that you were recognized for this prestigious scholarship program?

Yes, because to be recognized as a candidate in the scholarship program, I had to join the YoungArts Foundation. Through the foundation, I spent a week in Miami among 140 other talented young artists for mentorship and various workshops. I had the opportunity to work with David Hilliard, Corinne Botz, and Michelle Dunn Marsh, all artists/publishers in the field of photography. We were then narrowed down to 60 Presidential Scholar in the Art nominees. Following YoungArts week, I completed an application that consisted of seven essays and submitted it to the Department of Education. From this application, the group of semifinalists was selected.