A graduating high school senior from far eastern Kentucky is one of two just announced presidential scholars from the Commonwealth. The class members of 2021 will be honored for their achievement this summer.
Sarah Belcher is one of 161 students nationally in the 57th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars. “I definitely didn’t see the little girl from small town USA being picked as a state representative, but I am absolutely thrilled and very humbled,” said Sarah Belcher.
Belcher lives in Pike County, 15 minutes from the Virginia line. The 18-year-old said her academic success is a credit to God, her parents, good schools, the academic team, and a librarian grandmother who taught her the alphabet, numbers, and songs while she was swinging. Bigger communities may have more academic resources, but Belcher noted smaller communities have advantages too. “But in a way we have so much more as well, if that makes sense. Because there’s so much you can lead the way and you’re paving the path with the help of these other people around you who are wanting that same goal of furthering our region,” Belcher explained.
Also being recognized as a Presidential Scholar from Kentucky is Justin Michael Burch from St. Xavier High School in Louisville.
Sarah’s mother Mary Belcher said she and her husband are extremely proud of their daughter. Belcher noted she has benefitted from good schooling. “We have some excellent teachers that really prepared them well for the next level and have some challenging curriculum where you now feel very good about her going to college and being well prepared,” said Belcher.
Mary Belcher said Sarah really cares for people and loves to learn. She said she’s been active in many groups including ‘The Empty Chair Project’, which focuses on helping families battling addiction. In addition to academic success, students are selected based on essays, school evaluations and transcripts, and evidence of community service.
Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school, more than 6000 candidates qualified for the 2021 awards.
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