We are excited and pleased to announce that Juan Diego Catholic High School Alumna, Denver Whaley (C/O 2025), has been named a United States Presidential Scholar in the Arts by the U.S. Department of Education.
Whaley, an accomplished ceramicist, began developing her craft during her junior year at JD. Having a natural talent for this medium, she quickly rose in the ranks, graduating from functional ceramics to more of an artistic and abstract style. Her portfolio of work was largely inspired by the environmental impacts of Utah’s air pollution crisis.
The journey to becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholar began last fall when she entered into the YoungArts competition in the Visual Arts category. Having won “Award with Distinction” (a feat only accomplished by one other Utah Student before her), she not only received mentorship, professional development, and funding opportunities, but was also deemed eligible for the U.S. Presidential Scholar program.
This isn’t the first time Whaley has been awarded for her throwing talents. In February of this year, it was announced that Denver had won the annual Utah Best of State Award for Best Visual Artist, competing against other skilled Utah-based artists ranging in age and medium. Additionally, Juan Diego Catholic High School awarded Whaley with our own Saint Cecilia Award for outstanding accomplishment in the arts at our Commencement ceremony in May.
According to their website, the U.S. Presidential Scholar program was established to “recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.” (US Dept. of Education Website). Whaley will be flown out to Washington D.C. where she will attend a special ceremony for the winners of this competition and receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion.
Congratulations, Denver, on this outstanding achievement. Nothing makes JDCHS more proud than to see our students and alumni accomplishing big dreams and gaining national recognition. Don’t forget us when you’re famous!
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