Just 10 days ago we told you about Wilton High School senior Jackson Walker being recognized as a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholar program. Last Friday, the list of finalists was released and Walker was one of the 161 students from across the country to be recognized for his scholastic accomplishments and named as a 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of only three in Connecticut.

The Harvard-bound WHS student says he was both honored to receive the distinction–and surprised.

“When I found out, I screamed in the middle of Wilton Hardware (my place of work) and immediately ran to tell mom, who proceeded to scream with me.”

Despite the immense amount of work and achievement it took to earn the recognition, the 18-year-old was wary of keeping the attention for himself, preferring to focus attention away from himself and instead thank others he says deserve credit for helping him reach the goal.

“I think the award is truly a testament to the great foundation the town of Wilton has provided me throughout my years of schooling, both in and out of the classroom. I owe it to my K-8 teachers for instilling in me my passion for learning and education. I owe Boy Scout Troop 20 for my yearn for leadership and community service, and would like to thank every adult that keeps that troop running,” Walker says.

He also wanted to single out several faculty members at WHS for helping him.

“High school within itself is no simple task either, and I really have to thank my guidance counselor, Mrs. [Pamela] Scott, for getting me here. Without her nomination and her complete guidance throughout every year of high school, I would not be where I am today. In addition, I owe Dr. [Kristina] Harvey and Mrs. [Jean] Brey for serving as both advisors to the class of 2017 through student government and helping me through the application process.”

One teacher in particular was instrumental in Walker’s eyes.

“I owe my AP American history teacher Mr. [Kenneth] Dunaj for helping me redefine myself as a learner and prepare me for college. In the application for the program, I had to select a teacher that helped shape who I am today and write about the experience I had. As a result of my selection, Mr. Kenneth Dunaj is now a ‘Distinguished Teacher’ by the US Presidential Scholars Program,” he explains.

Overall, Walker is grateful to all for the support.

“I want to emphasize that it took an army to reach this accomplishment, and it starts with the amazing Wilton High School community. To my friends, family friends, my wonderful and supportive parents, and the entire town of Wilton, I send my thanks.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars program recognizes 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Of the 3.5 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,100 candidates qualified for the 2017 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations or the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™competition.

The 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars 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. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

The 2017 ceremony will be held June 18, when each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion.