KALEB TRIMMIER

WHEELING — Kaleb Trimmier carries a weighted grade point average of 4.875, runs cross country and track, participates in various clubs and activities, and is in his fourth year of ACDA choir.

Most recently, Trimmier was informed that he was selected in the pool of Presidential Scholars. Twenty men and women from each state are selected, and through a rigorous application process, are narrowed down to represent the state.

Trimmier is described by school officials as “not only academically strong, he is also kind, talented, and personable.”

He credits being a well-rounded student to his experience at Wheeling Park High School.

“Once you make the initial effort to reach out, the school grows around you,” he said. “Get involved because you truly don’t know what you’re missing until you embrace it.”

Trimmier remains humble in the selection.

“I just want to learn,” he said. “I really enjoy chemistry. The depth of knowledge that we get to experience every single day is just incredible.”

He credits teacher Courtney Redilla for his interest in learning.

Trimmier wants to pursue a career in pathology and has applied to multiple colleges, but has not yet made a final decision.

Stellar ACT/SAT scores influence statewide selections for the Presidential Scholars award. According to the US Presidential Scholars Fact Sheet, the scores associated with the top 20 male examinees and top 20 female examinees are used to select candidates from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and from families living abroad.

In addition to this, each chief state school officer can nominate 10 male and female candidates based on their accolades. From that pool, candidacy materials are shared nationwide.

Students have the opportunity to become U.S. Presidential Scholars based on three paths of accomplishment. The majority of the scholars are selected on the basis of broad academic achievement.

Approximately 20 students are selected on the basis of their academic and artistic scholarship in the visual arts, the performing arts, or creative writing. Approximately 20 additional students are selected on the basis of their ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.