Center for Creative Arts senior a 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholar
Zavier Chavez, a senior at the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA), was announced today as one of 161 high school seniors in the 55th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos made the announcement. The seniors earned the recognition for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career, and technical education. Chavez was one of only two selected from Tennessee.
Chavez demonstrated excellence in academics to earn his spot in the 2019 class of U.S. Presidential Scholars. He is no stranger to recognition, as Chavez is valedictorian of his graduating class and Senior Class president at CCA. Chavez is an active participant on the Center for Creative Arts campus. He is active in the arts, studies Jazz music, and is the drummer in the school’s Jazz band. Chavez has been accepted to Harvard University in the fall and plans to study to become a lawyer.
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 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,200 candidates qualified for the 2019 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundation's nationwide YoungArts competition.
As directed by Presidential Executive Order, 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.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,500 of the nation's top-performing students with an annual ceremony in Washington, D.C. 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.
Each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion at the 2019 ceremony scheduled for June 23.