RHS Senior Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist

Published April 27, 2017

Ravenwood senior Jared Boggs is one of 13 high school students in the state named a U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalist.

“Just getting nominated was a huge surprise, but making it through to the semifinalist stage is something I never dreamed would happen,” he said.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

“It’s kind of a realization of all the work you’ve done,” Boggs said. “When you’re putting in all the hours studying for the ACT or PSAT you’re just studying for a test, but when you look back a year later, you realize how important it is, even when you can’t see the future, to put in the work in the present day to get some of those future rewards.”

In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final selection of the 121 students. One young man and one young woman are chosen from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and from families of U.S. citizens living abroad. In addition, up to 15 students are chosen at large.

To be named a semifinalist is testament to Boggs’ years of hard work and dedication, but he gives a lot of the credit to the Ravenwood and WCS communities for providing a nurturing learning environment.

“More than anything it would mean to me proof that I didn’t do it all for nothing,” he said. “If I make it, there’s going to be a reason I made it, and it’s more than just my hard work. It’s a result of my community, all the programs I’ve taken here and all that teachers have poured into me. Such a great learning environment can really do a lot for you.”

One of the highlights of Boggs being named a semifinalist was getting to share the news with his parents.

“They freaked out,” he said. “They couldn’t believe it. They really enjoyed it and everyone is pretty happy for me. Especially when this type of stuff helps me with scholarships and things, my dad is just happy he isn’t going to have to pay too much for college.”

Whether or not he is named a finalist, Boggs is committed to staying grounded.

“If I do get it, I’m going to try not to get too inflated,” he said. “There are so many smart people and a lot of it comes down to test scores, and sometimes you can be really smart but just not test as well. I think it’s a great recognition, but you can’t let it get in your head too much.”

That recognition and Boggs’ hard work is already paying dividends.

He has committed to the University of Alabama in Huntsville and will be going there to pursue computer engineering or cyber security in the fall.