Grand Forks County students selected as North Dakota's Presidential Scholars
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May 14—Grand Forks County students Ellen Anna Gregoire of rural Larimore and Dennis Du of Grand Forks have been named as North Dakota's Presidential Scholars for 2021, according to State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler.
The U.S. Department of Education announced the selection of Gregoire, a senior at Larimore High School, and Du, a Grand Forks Central High School student, as recipients of the honor, Baesler said in a news release.
They are among 161 Presidential Scholars chosen nationally, out of 3.6 million students who are expected to graduate from high school this year.
Du, 17, plans to attend Harvard University, where he "most likely" will study computer science. He will graduate from Grand Forks Central on May 30.
"It was exciting. It was a surprise," Du said of his selection as a Presidential Scholar. "It's a rare honor. I feel very fortunate."
Gregoire was sitting with her mother, Ann Bailey, in a Larimore coffee shop when she heard the news of her selection.
"I was just ecstatic," Gregoire said. "This means that all the hard work that I have put in was all worthwhile."
Gregoire, 18, will graduate from Larimore High School on May 23. She plans to attend UND, where she'll study dietetics, the science of diet, nutrition and health. An avid runner, she is interested in helping athletes fuel properly for optimal performance.
During this 2021 season, Gregoire broke her school's records for the 1600- and 3200-meter races. Her time in the 3200-meter race is fastest to date in Class B girls track and field.
About her selection as a Presidential Scholar, "I told Ellen she should be an inspiration for students in smaller schools — that you can strive for greatness," her mother, Ann Bailey, said. "Being in a smaller school shouldn't prevent you from pursuing your goals."
The Presidential Scholar honor is awarded to one young woman and one young man from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad. Another 15 scholars are chosen at large, as well as 20 scholars in the arts and another 20 in career and technical education.
Candidates for the honor are evaluated on their academic achievements, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their submitted essay.
