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Interlochen Arts Academy student Christian Trimmingham selected as a 2024 Presidential Scholar in the Arts
The theatre major is the 51st student in Interlochen history chosen to receive the nation’s highest honor for young artists.
Trimmingham as Frederick Douglass in Interlochen Arts Academy’s world-premiere production of ‘Edmonia.’
Trimmingham (right) as Claudius in Interlochen Arts Academy’s recent production of ‘Hamlet.’
Interlochen Arts Academy senior Christian Trimmingham (IO 21, IAC 22, IAA 22-24) has been selected as a 2024 Presidential Scholar in the Arts.
An acting major from Richmond, Virginia, Trimmingham is one of just 20 seniors from across the United States chosen by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars to receive the nation’s highest honor for high school artists. Arts Camp voice alumni Detola Badmus (IAC 23) and Gabrielle Lieberman (IAC 23) are also among the honorees.
Watch Trimmingham's performance at National YoungArts Week
"The high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars program represent the best of our nation's schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead."
"Christian Trimmingham is an amazing student, actor, and person,” said Camille Colatosti, Provost at Interlochen Center for the Arts. “He works hard, with determination and integrity in all he does. Just this past month, he presented beautiful leading roles in both Hamlet, where he played Claudius, and in composer Bill Banfield's new opera Edmonia, which we premiered on campus. While focusing on his acting craft, Christian also manages a rigorous academic schedule and is a strong member of the Interlochen Arts Academy community, serving as a theatre department assistant, and giving back to the campus. We are excited for Christian to receive this well-deserved honor and look forward to watching all he will accomplish in the future."
In recognition of his contributions to Trimmingham’s remarkable success, Interlochen Center for the Arts Director of Theatre William Church has been named a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Distinguished Teacher.
Founded in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars program recognizes the nation’s most outstanding high school seniors. Candidates for the award are selected on the basis of exemplary academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community service. Scholars in the Arts candidates are identified through the YoungArts competition, a highly regarded national award program for artists ages 15-18. Since the program’s inception, 51 Interlochen Arts Academy students have been selected as Presidential Scholars—more than any other high school in the nation.
Interlochen Arts Academy is the nation’s premier arts boarding school for students in grades 9-12, plus a postgraduate year. Academy students pursue college-preparatory academics alongside a robust artistic curriculum and a unique social-emotional learning program, preparing them to excel in college and beyond. Learn more or start your application today.
