GRANT KENAMOND

WHEELING — Wheeling Park High School senior Grant Kenamond has added another award to his resume. He is now a U.S. Presidential Scholar.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program announced Wednesday that Kenamond was selected as one of two students from West Virginia to receive the distinction.

The scholarship does not come with a cash value, but instead provides recipients “with invaluable experiences and opportunities” during their college career.

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. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Kenamond is the son of Carter and Lori Kenamond of Wheeling. He has plans to attend Purdue University in the fall, and major in chemical engineering.

Earlier this week, Kenamond was named a National Merit Scholar and the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship.

He served as division leader of WPHS debate team and this year won first place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate at the state speech and debate championships. Last month, he also was the first Ohio County student to win first place at the State Math Field Day, and last year he served as captain of the West Virginia State Math Team.

He was a national qualifier to the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad, and a two-time qualifier for the North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition.

Kenamond plays violin and piano, and is a member of the WPHS Orchestra. He also is a member of the school’s tennis and quiz bowl teams.

Last December, he was awarded the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission academic achievement award for community service. He is noted for his tutoring abilities, and he will have a side job now as a tutor with the Prep Expert company.

Lauren Shen of Morgantown High School was West Virginia’s other Presidential Scholar.