The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program stands as one of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors, recognizing exceptional scholarship, leadership, and artistic achievement. Established in 1964 through an executive order by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the program annually selects up to 161 students who demonstrate exceptional academic distinction, notable accomplishments, and a strong potential for future excellence. While the 2025 nominees have been announced, the program continues to inspire excellence across academic and creative fields.
Nominees
Congratulations to nine students from our charter schools who are among these distinguished nominees, showcasing the excellence and dedication of our educational community.
CTE
Student
City
School
Sydney Livingston
West Jordan
Vanguard Academy
Other Categories
Student
City
School
Bode O. Anders
Sandy
Academy for Math, Engineering & Science
Sylvie B. Stafford
Salt Lake City
Academy for Math, Engineering & Science
Colin Smith
Sandy
Beehive Science and Technology Academy
Trysten Torgerson
Sandy
Beehive Science and Technology Academy
Isabelle N. Wolchek
Huntsville
Davinci Academy of Science and Arts
Cassidy Wong
Springville
Merit College Preparatory Academy
Kalolaine Maile
Saratoga Springs
Utah County Academy of Sciences
Enoch Tolley
Orem
Utah County Academy of Sciences
2025 CTE Scholarship
Congratulations to Shaye Kingston from Vanguard Academy on being awarded the 2025 CTE Scholarship in Nursing, generously provided by Salt Lake Community College. This prestigious recognition highlights Shaye's exceptional dedication and potential in the nursing field, setting them up for future success in their chosen career path.
Our Youth Outreach team is thrilled to announce the application window for the IHEALTH Youth Summer Program. This program includes a 3-day summer experience hosted in various locations across Utah, including Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and our new location in St. George! Last year’s IHEALTH participants noted, “We liked getting to experience the behind the scenes of healthcare. It created a newfound appreciation for healthcare and essential workers. I also liked going into the lab and figuring out our blood types,” while others said, “We liked how it was youth-oriented and made new friends and enjoyed exploring careers.”
Note: The IHEALTH June 17, 18, 19 cohort is streamed virtually. Students can sign up to join virtually if they reside in a state where Intermountain Health provides services
Opening Remarks by Seven Lowe, USU-E Esports Director
Session 1 – 2025-26 Esports Season Preview & Open Q&A A preview for the 2025-26 season and then a open Q&A session for UECA and Ken Garff representatives.
Morning Break Time
Session 2 – Student Leadership in High School Esports Aaron Edwards will share how he established a student leadership team and helped students lead within the Alta High program.
Session 3 – Streaming Basics & Cost Efficient Tricks Basic streaming tips and tricks to help coaches broadcast and create a quality product with minimal equipment.
Lunch & Networking
Session 4 – Future Guidelines & Form Examples for FPS Games A look at how Alta High and Canyon’s District have navigated adding FPS titles to their esports programs.
Session 5 – Smash Bros Coaching Tips Ian Diaz, a USU-E nationally ranked Smash student, will walk through some coaching tips and tricks for Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Session 6 – Mario Kart Coaching Tips Kaleb Prince, Provo High’s Mario Kart coach, will walk through some coaching tips and tricks for Mario Kart 8.
Afternoon Break Time
Session 7 – UECA Feedback Session A feedback session to share what you want out of future UECA professional development and future coach meetings.
Our Youth Outreach team is thrilled to announce the application window for the IHEALTH Youth Summer Program. This program includes a 3-day summer experience hosted in various locations across Utah, including Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and our new location in St. George! Last year’s IHEALTH participants noted, “We liked getting to experience the behind the scenes of healthcare. It created a newfound appreciation for healthcare and essential workers. I also liked going into the lab and figuring out our blood types,” while others said, “We liked how it was youth-oriented and made new friends and enjoyed exploring careers.”
Note: The IHEALTH June 17, 18, 19 cohort is streamed virtually. Students can sign up to join virtually if they reside in a state where Intermountain Health provides services
July 29-31
Welding Endorsement Course
$250
Class is Tuesday, Wed, & Thurs, 8am-4pm
Lunch is provided
Welding Endorsement, Option E
Register online: btech.edu/welding-educator-ce
This USBE-approved course will assist current and future teachers in receiving a Welding Teacher Endorsement. It will focus on welding teaching methods, weld evaluation and assessment, and best practices. To demonstrate competency, teachers must pass written exams focused on the Utah high school welding curriculum and welder certification tests. If needed arrangements can be made for additional time to pass the tests.
July 30
New FCCLA Adviser Training
Whether you're a new adviser or looking to refresh your skills, this training day promises to be invaluable in preparing you for a successful year ahead.
Keynote speaker: LaVonna Roth
Nationally recognized for developing the S.H.I.N.E. framework.
Join us and learn how to show up with confidence, connection, and impact.
Registration is $20 and includes lunch.
Register open. Midas course 65269. tinyurl.com/ElevateShine
Utah Film Center’s Teacher Professional Development program offers educators immersive, high-quality professional development and curriculum that supports the integration of the filmmaking process into educational settings.
Our workshops and instructional materials provide comprehensive lesson plans to guide educators on how to produce short film projects with their students. All of this training is linked to the Utah Core educational standards.
Empower yourself and your students by joining our program and bringing filmmaking into the classroom, giving students a new avenue to express their creativity and learn while enhancing their skills in communication and critical thinking!
Utah teachers can earn one of the following from our program:
1.0 USBE Credit
15 Re-licensure Hours
Up to 6 credit hours toward an Education Technology Endorsement
Up to 3 credit hours toward a Media Arts Endorsement
August 4
Utah Charter Network Fall Symposium - CelebratEd Symposium
We are thrilled to announce our final keynote speaker for the Utah Charter Network Fall Symposium on August 4th at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi:
Amy Huggins from Raise The Future!
Amy will be presenting on Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®)—a groundbreaking, evidence-based approach to supporting children with trauma histories and behavioral challenges. TBRI® offers a powerful, compassionate alternative to traditional behavioral and cognitive therapies.
Grounded in neuropsychological research and informed by deep humanitarian values, TBRI® is reshaping the way educators, counselors, and caregivers connect with and heal children impacted by trauma. Amy will share real-world best practices and actionable strategies to implement this transformative model in your schools and communities.
Don’t miss this inspiring and practical session that promises to leave you better equipped—and deeply moved.
Join us August 4th as we come together to celebrate, learn, and grow at the Utah Charter Network Fall Symposium.
Day 1: CelebratEd Symposium – August 4 Day 2: AI Instruction + Training – August 5 (Attendees may be eligible to receive$200 from the state!)
If you have already replied, you’re all set — no need to reply again. We simply want to clarify the need for specifying the number of days you plan to attend so we can plan accordingly.
We’re grateful to the Utah State Charter School Board for generously covering the cost ofboth days, and you will earn 1 re-licensure point per hour of attendance. And as always we will have our prize giveaway, including our two $500 gift card drawings!
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Kim Frank
August 4
HOSA Advisory Mtg
August 5
Utah Charter Network Fall Symposium - CelebratEd Symposium
We are thrilled to announce our final keynote speaker for the Utah Charter Network Fall Symposium on August 4th at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi:
Amy Huggins from Raise The Future!
Amy will be presenting on Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®)—a groundbreaking, evidence-based approach to supporting children with trauma histories and behavioral challenges. TBRI® offers a powerful, compassionate alternative to traditional behavioral and cognitive therapies.
Grounded in neuropsychological research and informed by deep humanitarian values, TBRI® is reshaping the way educators, counselors, and caregivers connect with and heal children impacted by trauma. Amy will share real-world best practices and actionable strategies to implement this transformative model in your schools and communities.
Don’t miss this inspiring and practical session that promises to leave you better equipped—and deeply moved.
Join us August 4th as we come together to celebrate, learn, and grow at the Utah Charter Network Fall Symposium.
Day 1: CelebratEd Symposium – August 4 Day 2: AI Instruction + Training – August 5 (Attendees may be eligible to receive$200 from the state!)
If you have already replied, you’re all set — no need to reply again. We simply want to clarify the need for specifying the number of days you plan to attend so we can plan accordingly.
We’re grateful to the Utah State Charter School Board for generously covering the cost ofboth days, and you will earn 1 re-licensure point per hour of attendance. And as always we will have our prize giveaway, including our two $500 gift card drawings!
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Kim Frank
August 20
MTECH Board of Trustees Mtg
August 27
CTE Consortium Meeting
August 28
MTECH Payson Campus Ribbon Cutting
Mountainland Region Event
August 29
Federal Grant Requests for Reimbursement for Prior Year
Contacts: Libby, Wendi
September 1
Labor Day
September 3
CTECC
Mountainland Region Event
Attendees: CTE Directors
Region Personnel
September 11
504 Meeting
September 11
Tentative: Automation/Robotics Advisory Meeting
Mountainland Region Event
Atendees: All CTE Directors, Select Educators
September 17
DECA Fall Leadership Conference
All
September 17
CTE Directors Meeting-TBD
Attendees: CTE Directors
Region Personnel
September 19
UCSCC Directors Council
September 19
UCSCC Program Advisory Committee Q1 Meeting
September 22
Get The Scoop
Attendees: 7-8th Grade Students
CTE Directors
CTE Specialists
WBL Coordinators
September 23
Educators Rising Fall Leadership Conference
All
September 23
Title VI Coordinator: Understanding Law, Policy and Compliance
**Group discounts available for 3 or more registrants from the same school***
$449 / $359 for Community Partners
This comprehensive training is designed for Title VI Coordinators in K-12 and higher education settings who are responsible for ensuring compliance with federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
Participants will gain a solid understanding of the legal foundations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including relevant regulations, policy guidance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and key court decisions shaping implementation. The training will explore how Title VI intersects with other federal mandates, such as the Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA), and will cover essential responsibilities such as investigating complaints, responding to incidents of discrimination, and developing policies and procedures to prevent and address discriminatory practices.
Attendees will engage in scenario-based learning and receive compliance tools, templates, and resources to support proactive program management. This training equips Title VI Coordinators with the legal insight and practical strategies needed to foster an inclusive, nondiscriminatory educational environment.
Registrants must be present for at least 80% of the duration of the training to receive a certificate of completion.
September 24
TSA Fall Leadership Conference
All
September 30
CTE/WBL Specialist Meeting
Attendees: All CTE Specialists and WBL Coordinators
October 1
FBLA Fall Leadership Conference
All
October 1
CTECC
October 2
FCCLA Fall Leadership Conference
All
October 7
HOSA Fall Leadership Conference
All
October 8
Advanced Manufacturing Secondary Conference
Attendees: High School/ Junior High Tech Ed Educators (Robotics, Electronics, Engineering, Manufacturing)
Tentative: Health Partnership Council Advisory Mtg
October 15
CTE Consortium Meeting
October 20
Drone Endorsement
October 23
Tentative Utah County Diesel Tour
Utah County
October 25
Drone Endorsement Fly Day
November 1
Drone Endorsement Fly Day
November 1
UDTP Advisory
All CTE Directors, Invited educators
November 3-8
HOSA Week
November 5
CTECC
November 7
Tentative: Health Career Fair
November 8
Drone Endorsement Fly Day
November 11
Veterans Day
November 13
504 Meeting
November 14
SLCC Art & Media High School Workshop Day - Save the Date
Save-the-Date announcement for our annual SLCC Art & Media High School Workshop Day, which will be held during the morning on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at our South City Campus (1575 S. State Street). This event is open to 9th-12th grade students to participate in exciting workshops led by our faculty covering topics like film, media, photography, fashion, graphic design and more. The workshops are open to all high school students with instructor approval, with a small registration fee to cover lunch and supplies.
We’ll send out complete information early in the Fall semester, including the workshop lineup (which typically includes mostly technical and digital art/media topics). Please feel free to share these initial details with any contacts who might be interested, and feel free to contact me with any questions.
