Mat-Su Middle College grad named 2020 US Presidential Scholar

PALMER — Mat-Su Middle College graduate Gavin Block was recently named a 2020 Presidential Scholar by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

“It’s a pretty big honor to be chosen as one. Plus it was a pretty big surprise for me,” Block said.

The Palmer teen is one of 161 high school seniors across the country to earn the distinguished honor by exhibiting outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community.

“These exemplary young people have excelled inside the classroom and out. And, while they are facing unprecedented challenges as they graduate from high school into a world that looks much different than it did just a few months ago, their determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence will serve them well as they pursue their next steps,” DeVos stated in a recent press release.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects each year’s scholars after extensively evaluating applicants’ academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts; in addition to evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Over 5,300 graduates out of 3.6 millions students from the class of 2020 qualified for the prestigious award, determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers,other partner recognition organizations or the National YoungArts Foundation’s national YoungArts program.

Block found out that he made it as a 2020 scholar last week. Normally, the pinnacle of achieving this highly sought after nomination culminates with a dinner inside the White House in Washington D.C.

Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, that’s not going to happen this year.

Block and all the other scholars are still going to be recognized for all their hard work and outstanding achievements through a virtual ceremony. He said that he’s excited to hear all the other scholars’ stories during the ceremony.

Block said achievements like these can really help a college applicant stand out. He said that he was accepted to Cornell University and plans to head down in the fall. He’s majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering.

“I was pretty excited to find out I got into Cornell,” Block said.

Block said his ideal career would be with NASA.

“I really love math and I really love science. So with engineering, it’s kind of just a mix of both of them. So, it’s taking math and applying it to real world problems,” Block said. “I like to solve problems for sure.”

Block said Cornell was his top choice because it’s such a high ranked school and one of the few that has an aerospace engineering program. He plans to enjoy the rest of summer with plenty of Alaskan adventures.

“I’m excited to experience something new, but at the same time, I’m definitely going to miss Alaska and all it has to offer, especially with outdoor adventures and such,” Block said.

Block spent three years at Colony High School before transferring to the middle college. Each scholar is able to recognize a particular teacher and he chose CHS teacher Lesley Bunch. He also took a moment to thank all his teachers from over the years.

“Without them, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today,” Block said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com