National College Decision Day was earlier this week, but one high school senior from Nome is waiting on a different decision to be made.

Brayden Bahnke has been named a semifinalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Now he, and 620 other candidates are waiting for the Commission on Presidential Scholars to decide who will be selected as finalists. 

Almost 5,300 high school seniors from around the country applied for this year’s Presidential Scholars Program. That field was narrowed down to just over 600 semifinalists and will be shrunk down again to 161 or fewer finalists later this month.

According to a statement from the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office, this is one of the highest honors a graduating high school senior can receive. The finalists are selected based on academic and artistic achievements, leadership and strong character, as well as their community involvement.

If chosen as a Presidential Scholar, Bahnke will be invited to Washington DC in June for various enriching activities and be presented a medallion at the White House.

Originally from Nome, Bahnke currently attends Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka and is expected to graduate next week. 

After graduation, he plans to pursue a college degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Image at Top: Photo provided by Brayden Bahnke (2019)