Rigby student semifinalist for Presidential Scholar Award

A Rigby High School student, who despite her challenges, has caught national attention for her grades and leadership.

“Over the last three years, she’s has had perfect scores has had straight A’s has four point o student, she’s in the running for our valedictorian,” said Principal Bryan Lords.

Roaming the halls of Rigby High School is Megan Clements.

Madison Stewart, college and career advisor at Rigby, describes Megan, “She is just an incredible student, she goes above and beyond despite some of the challenges she may face.”

A student who is one of six semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholar Award from the Idaho Area.

“I’m hard of hearing, I’m legally deaf, so that’s made school kinda hard sometimes,” says Megan.

Despite a life of obstacle, Megan has excelled in her academic career with help from her teachers, parents, interpreter, and self-motivation.

“It’s hard to understand teachers sometimes, I miss the information. But I worked hard and I have to work a little harder than more people because it’s harder to get the information, but it’s worth it.”

Hard work that allowed her to be chosen as a semifinalist from more than 5,200 other students who were nominated for the award. Students were chosen based off of their academic and leadership achievement.

“She’s on a mission, she’s going exactly where she knows that she’s going.”

Keeping her academics as a primary focus, Megan still found time to be an active student.

She’s in the Rotary club, on the soccer and track teams, and part of the band.

She also started an ASL club during her freshman year- all things that qualified her for this nomination.

“Be a model student, be involved in community activities, school activities and Megan has done all of those”

“Everyone has difficulties but if they’re just focused and work hard to overcome them and use the resources they have, then they can succeed”

If selected, Megan will be one of a maximum of 161 students to be recognized for the Presidential Scholars Award, and she’ll get an all-expense paid trip to visit the White House for the ceremony.

She will find out in May if she has been selected as one of the finalists.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Award, click here.