By Danny Federico Riverbend News
Barrett Young, a senior at Branford High School (BHS) and Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter President, was nominated for the career and technical education (CTE) component of the 2021 United States Presidential Scholars Program last week. Young was nominated by the State of Florida's Chief State Officer based on his accomplishments within CTE programs.
"I figured I had a chance to get a couple of scholarships, but I had no idea it would be at this level," Young said in an interview with the Suwannee County School District (SCSD), "especially the CTE one doing the stuff I love, like hands-on activities. I just didn't expect it. I'm so happy and blessed to have this opportunity."
Young was one of five students from BHS selected for the program. According to the U.S. Department of Education's website, "Candidates are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities and an analysis of their essay."
Stacy Young, BHS's Agriculture Education teacher and FFA sponsor, says he is the first student from Suwannee County to make it into the CTE category.
"I think it's a great opportunity for any student, I'm just blessed to have the opportunity to qualify for this," Young said in his interview with the SCSD. "My goal is to always be the best I can and this is another step in my life I have to accomplish."
The United States Presidential Scholars Program, according to the Department of Education, was established in 1964 "to recognize and honor [the nation's] most distinguished graduating high school seniors."
Last week, Young was also one of two winners of the state's Daughter of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. His essay has now been forwarded to compete in semi-regionals.