By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

“I won Presidential Scholar!” PHS Senior Peyton Strickland’s message said.

Although this young man left for the state track meet at 7:45 a.m. on the day I received his message, I knew that he would be watching closely for this announcement.

Strickland discovered in April that he was one of five male finalists and he had recently asked me what exact date early May might mean.

It turns out that early May means May 4.

Each year, two seniors—one boy and one girl from each state––are named Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education.

This year, Pelham High School is the home of the young man who will represent the state of Alabama.

As our winner, Peyton Strickland wins an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

This journey to the capital began just after the holidays when Jamie Stephenson mentioned to me that Strickland had been nominated as a Presidential Scholar.

Stephenson’s husband was once a Presidential Scholar so she follows the program.

When I saw Strickland at a competition where one of our PHS teams was competing, I asked him if he’d been notified that he was a candidate for Presidential Scholar.

As it turned out, the mailing had been lost, so he was stunned and excited to discover the nomination. I was very thankful for Jamie Stephenson.

Strickland immediately went to the website and followed the very stringent protocol required to continue in the competition.

All deadlines were upheld without exception. Essays, an extensive application, recommendations and documents from school counselors were required.

PHS senior counselor Laura Cochran made sure every school document arrived on time.

During the trip to Washington in June, Presidential Scholars will be honored guests at a White House ceremony where they receive their own U.S. Presidential Scholars medallions. They will also visit area museums and monuments, meet national and international figures and be given opportunities to collaborate on matters of national and worldwide concern.

“I can’t wait for the White House event,” Strickland said. “Thank you again!”

Strickland’s hard work rewarded with success brings great joy to PHS.