The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selected 20 students from YoungArts finalists as recipients of the 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts award.

The White House Commission selects YoungArts finalists from across the nation based on their artistic achievements, academic accomplishments, leadership responsibilities and overall creativity. Recipients of the award attend an annual ceremony in Washington, D.C., where they receive a presidential medallion.

Kentucky students recognized this year include:

  • Ethan Mooney, Honorable Mention for Popular Voice, Tates Creek High School (Fayette County);
  • Grace Sheene, Honorable Mention for Popular Voice, Danville High School (Danville Independent); and
  • Morgan Betsill, Merit Award in Visual Arts, DuPont Manual High School (Jefferson County).