By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City High School seniors Owen Rodgers and Charlton Wisener have been chosen as nominees for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Rodgers and Wisener were selected by UCHS teachers and administration and will be among those considered for state finalists for the prestigious honor.
High Schools across the country can choose two seniors from their student body – one from the general academic component and one from the CTE component – as applicants for the Presidential Scholars Program.
Students will present their cases via application and essay.
Rodgers was selected for the general academic component, which emphasizes academic achievement, leadership skills, community involvement, overcoming obstacles, and strong writing skills.
Wisener has been nominated for the CTE component, which focuses on academic rigor, technical competence, employability skills, ingenuity, and creativity.
Both UC seniors presented a strong case that led to their respective selections.
Rodgers is a member of the school’s elite 30+ ACT Club, has received a PSAT/NMSQT commendation, has twice been an AP Scholar, and has been in the Top 10 of his class for three years. He has been involved in Obion County Youth Leadership, Chimes for Charity, has been a Boys’ State delegate, and traveled as part of the UC Rotary Club contingent to Washington, DC.
The well-rounded Rodgers holds the title of President of his class, is a field commander for the award-winning UCHS Marching Tornadoes band and is a member of the school’s tennis team. His many club involvements include the 3D Engineering Club, the Beta Club and the Key Club. Rogers is also a member of the school’s Ethics Bowl team.
He plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
Wisener also has a resume full of noteworthy accomplishments.
He’s a member of the 30+ ACT Club, attended the Governor’s School for Science and Engineering, and is a member of Student Excel and the Top 10 of his class.
Wisener is the Vice President of the 3D Engineering Club, is active in the Beta Club, the Art Club, and the Pep Club, and is a member of the tennis team.
For over 58 years, the unique federal Presidential Scholars Program has honored almost 8,000 U.S. Presidential Scholars who have demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and school and community contributions.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by the President’s executive order to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 2015, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars. Applications are by invitation only.