SHINNSTON, WV - Liberty High School's Isabella Herrod has been selected as West Virginia's only 2023 US Presidential Scholar Semifinalist in Career and Technical Education.
According to the US Department of Education, "The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors...Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. Application for the US Presidential Scholars program is by invitation only, and candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay."
This year, 628 students out of a pool of over 5,000 candidates were selected as semifinalists nationwide. In May, the US Department of Education will announce those students who have been chosen as Presidential Scholars for 2023.
As a CTE dual completer in Agribusiness and Plant Systems Management, Isabella has been active in Liberty’s FFA, where she serves as the Chapter’s President. She placed first in North Central Region FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking and Freshman Creed Speaking LDEs. Herrod placed first in the WV State FFA LDE Prepared Public Speaking, CDE Poultry, and Floriculture competitions. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has received the College Board National Recognition Program Rural and Small-Town Achievement Award.
Isabella is also a member of the National Honor Society and a 2023 Albert Yanni Scholarship recipient. Isabella plans to attend West Virginia University where she will major in Environmental and Energy Resources Management. She hopes to pursue a career in natural resources law and regulation.