YoungArts Honors 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts

This year, 20 outstanding high school senior artists will receive the honor bestowed by the President of the United States

The U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts prize and medallion is awarded to high school senior students aged between 15 and 18, who display academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community service. 

Applicants must apply to YoungArts — an organization supporting outstanding talent and which has been the nominating agency for the Scholars Arts award since 1982 — and must be YoungArts award winners. This year, 702 YoungArts award winners were selected. 

During National YoungArts Week, nominations are made for the year’s U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts candidates. YoungArts nominates 60 candidates for an invitation to apply to the program, from which 20 students are selected by the White House Commission.

This year’s 59th class of the U.S. Presidential Scholars for the 2022 Classical Music division comprises violinist Vibha Janakiraman of Pennsylvania, from PA Leadership Charter School; and pianist Katherine Liu from Massachusetts, and Wellesley High School.

The 2023 Classical Music sector’s winners are wind player Mira Kim from Virginia and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology; and pianist Christopher Shin from New Jersey and Cherry Hill High School East. For Voice 2023, the winner is singer-songwriter Sophia Rabin from California and Corona Del Mar High School.

The full list of winners including those in photography, theater, dance, writing, film, and design arts, can be viewed here.

Applications for the 2024 YoungArts competition will open on June 6, 2023. For more information, click here.

“The 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts represent the next generation of storytellers and changemakers in our country, exemplifying both academic excellence and artistic ingenuity spanning the visual, literary, and performing arts,” said YoungArts president Clive Chang. “YoungArts is incredibly proud to celebrate these young artists today and to amplify their unique voices as they grow to become our nation’s most influential cultural ambassadors.”

“U.S. Presidential Scholars have always represented the future of our country and the bright promise it holds. I want each of these remarkable students to know: your passion and intellect, pursuit of excellence, and spirit of service are exactly what our country needs,” added U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. 

“On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to join your family, friends, and communities in celebrating your accomplishments.  Aim high, share your talents, and continue embracing opportunities to lead as your exciting future unfolds.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize outstanding high school seniors. Since then, over 8,000 seniors have been honored with the award. 

The Scholars program also extends beyond the arts, with a total of 161 students this year being awarded across various states, and in the division of Career and Technical Education.