Presidential CTE Scholars Include SkillsUSA Members

Published: June 04, 2019

The U.S. Department of Education announced the 55th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, which for the fourth year includes students in career and technical education (CTE) fields. SkillsUSA members receiving the award:

Ian Henry Carnate Acosta of Waipahu High School in Hawaii
Megan Elizabeth Brown of Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in Massachusetts
Sonia Purohit of the Academy for Health and Medical Sciences in New Jersey

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars honors scholars annually based on academic success, essays and school transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. In all, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program cited 161 high-school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and CTE. Created in 1964, the program has honored almost 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during an annual ceremony in Washington. In 2015, the program was expanded to recognize students who demonstrate accomplishment in CTE fields. To see a list of the career and technical education 2019 Presidential Scholars, go to: www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/161-students-across-country-named-2019-us-presidential-scholars.

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SkillsUSA has selected Tristan Coates, of Jacksonville, Florida, as the official U.S. competitor for Carpentry at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition. This prestigious international skills competition, often referred to as the “Olympics of skilled trades,” will be held Sept. 22 -27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.

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SkillsUSA has named 24 SkillsUSA schools as Models of Excellence for 2026. The annual program recognizes the exceptional integration of Personal, Workplace and Technical Skills into SkillsUSA chapter activities.

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For more information about SkillsUSA, contact:

Clare Briner (Media Inquires)

Director, Marketing and Communications

703-737-0625

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Presidential CTE Scholars Include SkillsUSA Members

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Media Contacts

Clare Briner (Media Inquires)

Mike Rowe for SkillsUSA

Kayleen McCabe PSA