Berkeley County School District is excited to recognize its three high school seniors who have been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholar Award.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964. Since that time, the program has honored more than 8,000 of the country’s most distinguished graduating seniors. Earning the recognition is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was further extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education (or CTE) fields.
Each school district in the state of South Carolina has been asked to submit a total of three applications for consideration for the Academics/General Component category and the CTE category. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars.
Congratulations to the following U.S. Presidential Scholar Award nominees from BCSD:
Jaiden River Collazo – academic nominee from Goose Creek High
Collazo is an exemplary scholar who demonstrates a profound commitment to his academic pursuits, as well as a passion for music. In addition to attaining a position within the top one percent of his graduating class, Collazo is an active member of Goose Creek High’s Beta Club and National Honor Society. He is also a Quartermaster with the Boy Scouts of America, where he has achieved the rank of Life Scout. Collazo has enrolled in the most rigorous courses available while also participating in the Spirit of Gold Marching Band, the Red Bank Jazz Ensemble, the Saxophone Quartet, and the Wind Ensemble. Despite his considerable musical talents, he consistently prioritizes his education. He embodies the qualities of an outstanding leader, actively seeking opportunities and experiences to expand his knowledge. Collazo is dedicated to realizing his aspiration of becoming a music professor.
Raegan Joy Rennert – academic nominee from Goose Creek High
Rennert is an exemplary student distinguished by her impeccable academic record and notable engagement in school activities. She is a completer of the Berkeley Center for the Arts program, specializing in Music Theory, Music History, Foreign Language Diction, and Voice Performance. In 2024, Rennert received the Columbia College Certificate of Award as a Junior Scholar, was recognized as a Lander University Junior Fellow, and was awarded the Rochester Institute of Technology Science and Math Award/Scholarship. Previously, Rennert earned the 2023 Organization of American Kodaly Educators National Conference Certificate of Participation, participated in the 2023 Breakfast of Champions, and was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. As a senior who ranks in the top one percent of her class, Rennert is a dedicated and ambitious young woman who demonstrates critical thinking abilities that surpass her years.
Allison Gene Gard – CTE nominee from Cane Bay High
Gard is an exemplary CTE student. Upon the conclusion of her senior year, she will have completed the Environmental Natural Resource Management Pathway and will graduate in the top five percent of students in her class. Beyond her academic pursuits, Gard demonstrates her dedication through active participation in student organizations, most notably Future Farmers of America (or FFA). Through her involvement in FFA, Gard has had the opportunity to explore her interests, discover her passion, develop valuable leadership qualities, and acquire numerous skills that will prepare her for future endeavors. For her supervised agricultural experience, Gard constructed housing for purple martins during their migratory periods. This intricate housing system supports birds that play a vital role in our ecosystem. Currently, Gard serves as the President of her FFA chapter, where she has significantly contributed to increasing member engagement, prompting community service, and enhancing the recognition of the Cane Bay High FFA program.