Lovejoy ISD is ecstatic to announce that Caroline Matthews (’25) and Veronica Ye (’25) have been named 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts! For the first time in Lovejoy's history, we are proud to celebrate two U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts in the same year!
Out of thousands of applicants, only 20 young artists nationwide are selected each year across disciplines such as visual arts, design, dance, music, and theater. Caroline was the only Designer chosen in the country, and Veronica was one of just four Visual Artists honored with this distinction.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars award is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, artistic achievement and community service. To be considered, students must first be named YoungArts finalists and attend a week-long intensive in Miami. Founded in 1981, YoungArts identifies and supports exceptional young artists, providing ongoing resources and opportunities to further their creative paths.
Brice McCasland, K-12 Visual Arts Coordinator stated, " LJVA could not be prouder of Caroline and Veronica for this incredible honor. Both embody the selflessness, work ethic, commitment to personal vision, and dedication to community that our program strives to instill in all of our artists."
From 2018–2025, Lovejoy Visual Arts (LJVA) has produced 11 YoungArts Finalists, with three students receiving the esteemed U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts award. Superintendent Kordel stated, "The continued success and recognition of these young artists is a testament to Lovejoy ISD's remarkable visual arts program, educators, and the support of their families."
Past Lovejoy ISD YoungArts Finalists and Winners include:
'25 - Dana Colston, Lane Beller, Caroline Matthews, Veronica Ye
'24 - Kaylee Christiansen, Bec Wang
'23 - Simi Fidel
'22 - Ella Reaugh (U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts), Luis Sandoval
'19 - Katie Miller
'18 - Eli Ruhala
Congratulations to Caroline and Veronica on their remarkable achievement! The full press release from YoungArts can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/32t7pamy.