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Two Interlochen Arts Academy students named 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts

Actor Joshua Brown and visual artist Quoc Bui are the 49th and 50th Arts Academy students to receive the prestigious designation.

2022 Presidential Scholar Finalists at Interlochen Arts Academy

Interlochen Arts Academy's 2022 Presidential Scholar in the Arts finalists (L-R): Joshua Brown and Quoc Bui.

Interlochen Arts Academy seniors Joshua Brown and Quoc Bui have been selected as 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts

Brown, an actor from Windermere, Florida, and Bui, a visual artist from Fargo, North Dakota, were among the 20 students selected by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars to receive the prestigious honor.

"Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. "Today, I join President Biden to celebrate a class of scholars whose pursuit of knowledge, generosity of spirit, and exceptional talents bring our nation tremendous pride. Throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation's history and amid our recovery from the pandemic, our students have once again demonstrated their strength and that they have so much to contribute to our country. Thanks to them, I know America's future is bright."

Since the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was founded in 1964, 50 Interlochen Arts Academy students have been selected as presidential scholars—more than any other high school in the nation. This year marks the third time in Arts Academy history, and the second year in a row, where the institution produced two Presidential Scholar finalists in a given year.

“The Interlochen community is so proud of Joshua and Quoc,” said Interlochen Center for the Arts Provost Camille Colatosti. “To have two students selected as presidential scholar finalists in back-to-back years is unprecedented. It is a true testament to the passion and purpose of our young artists.” 

Presidential Scholars in the Arts candidates are identified through the national YoungArts competition, a highly regarded national recognition program for young artists ages 15-18. As presidential scholars, Brown and Bui will be recognized for their outstanding achievements this summer with an online recognition program. 

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