Five Mississippi Students Named CTE Candidates for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Five Mississippi students were selected career and technical education (CTE) candidates as part of the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established by Executive Order of the President to recognize the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors. In 2015, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in CTE.

Selected student include Ashlyn Brown (New Albany), Kymrie Loftin

(Hattiesburg), Aubrey Parrish (Water Valley), Aisha Williams (Vicksburg) and Matthew Williams (Gulfport).

Brown completed the Drafting program at New Albany’s School of Career and Technical Education and earned her AutoDesk AutoCAD certified user national certification. Brown is currently enrolled in the center’s work-based learning program.

Loftin completed the Health Science program at Hattiesburg High School (HHS). She serves as the president of her school’s HOSA and National Technical Honor Society chapters. Loftin received academic honors from the College Board National African American Recognition Program, a spot in the HHS ACT 25+ Club and Platinum level on the ACT WorkKeys. While in Health Science II, Loftin earned the National Consortium Health Science Education national certification.

Aisha Williams was named to Vicksburg High School’s National Technical Honor Society chapter, the student ambassadors team and the Key Club. She holds a 4.00 GPA and ranks in the top 15% of her graduating class.