Union High School Student Named Semi-Finalists In U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Ten Oklahoma high school seniors are semi-finalists in the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Union High School has one Presidential Scholars semi-finalist, Kayden Kehe, who hopes to put Union in the spotlight as a finalist.

Some might say Kayden is a superstar senior.

"I enjoy doing everything,” said Kayden. “I enjoy being in clubs, I enjoy taking hard classes.”

Kayden is Mr. Union, an officer for the Technology Student Association, Coding Club, Academic Team, Rho Kappa and Union's environmental and recycling club.

He is also a Valedictorian, an Academic All-Stater, National Merit Scholar and most recently, a semi-finalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

"I'm not an easily excitable person, but I was all smiles after it,” said Kayden. “It was a big deal to me. It meant a lot."

The Presidential Scholars Program started in 1964, by executive order of the president, to recognize some of our country's most distinguished seniors.

Of the millions across the country, only up to 161 will become a finalist and get to go to Washington, D.C., to meet with officials.

Kayden's mom, Emily Goss, said their family is so proud.

"Letting him be himself and pursue anything that he loves and not things that I love is probably really important,” said Goss.

Kayden said he is grateful for mentors, like National Teacher of the Year, Rebecka Peterson.

Kayden recently got to congratulate Mrs. Peterson on national TV and share how she has inspired him.

"I want to teach just like she does, I want to interact with people just like she does," said Kayden in that previous interview.

As Kayden plans to become a professor, he has advice for other students. "Study regularly, have a good work ethic,” said Kayden.

Finalists are expected to be announced mid-May. Online records show Union had one semi-finalist in 2021. Oklahoma had three finalists last year.