The U.S. Department of Education announced the 56th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields. PCM Senior Blake Ronald Van Der Kamp of Monroe earned recognition through the elite program. Van Der Kamp was honored for his outstanding ability and accomplishments in career and technical education (CTE).

Blake will attend Iowa State University this fall to study Agriculture Education and Agriculture Communications. Van Der Kamp was heavily involved in the Diamond Trail FFA during his time in the PCM Schools, earning a Gold Emblem rating at the National FFA Event in November 2019, and helping with several charitable initiatives in the Prairie City and Monroe communities.

Van Der Kamp made a post about the accomplishment on his Facebook page:

Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,300 candidates qualified for the 2020 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundation’s national YoungArts™ competition. The Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer, as public health circumstances permit.