PCHS student named candidate for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

PARK CITY, Utah—Nicolas Janssen, a senior at Park City High School, has been named a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honors for high school seniors.

Janssen is among over 5,000 students nationwide and is recognized for its academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to school and community involvement. Established in 1964, the program annually selects up to 161 students for the final honor, with semifinalists to be announced in April and the Scholars named in May.

“I was just super proud of myself for being able to accomplish that,” Janssen said. “I always work hard in school and try to be the best person I can be.”

Janssen credits his academic success to his strong work ethic and dedication to improvement, particularly in preparing for the ACT.

“I’d say the biggest thing that contributed to my selection was my ACT score and all the work I put into it,” he said. “Originally, I got a 33, but my sister set super high standards—she got a 35—so I wanted to match or beat her score. I ended up with a 35, and that was probably the biggest thing that set me apart.”

Beyond academics, Janssen is a dedicated athlete. He is a Senior Leader and four-year varsity player on the Park City High School soccer team. He also plays club soccer for Utah Avalanche ECNL, a competitive team based in Salt Lake City.

“Soccer is my passion in life,” he said. “It takes up all my time outside of school.”

Janssen is also involved in community service, regularly volunteering through the National Honor Society at the Christian Center of Park City. He credits his parents, especially his mother, for supporting his academic and extracurricular pursuits.

“I hold myself to high standards, but my mom has always been super supportive,” he said. “Both my parents have really helped me.”

As he awaits the next round of selections, Janssen remains focused on his future. He plans to play collegiate soccer at the University of Redlands in Redlands California, a Division III program, while continuing to apply the skills that earned him recognition.

“I’ve always been dedicated to improving myself, and I plan to keep doing that in college and throughout my life,” he said.

For students striving for similar achievements, Janssen offers straightforward advice: “I feel like it’s kind of cliché, but always be the best person you can be and put your full effort into everything you do,” he said. “You never know who’s watching or when you’re going to get recognized.”

Presidential Scholars finalists will be announced in May, with honorees receiving a medallion in recognition of their achievements.

For more information about the program, visit www.ed.gov/psp.