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BHS SENIOR MORGAN HEDRICK NAMED CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CANDIDATE FOR U.S. PRESIDENTAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Photo of Morgan Hedrick to introduce viewers to the 2025 Presidential Scholars nominee program
Bardstown High School senior Morgan Hedrick has been named a Career and Technical Education candidate for the prestigious 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, a distinction placing her among the nation’s most accomplished graduating seniors in career and technical education (CTE). This honor recognizes her exceptional academic performance, technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to STEM fields.
 
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964, celebrates students who excel in academics, leadership, and service. In 2015, the program expanded to honor students demonstrating outstanding ability in career and technical education. From thousands of nominees nationwide, only 161 students will be named U.S. Presidential Scholars in May, with up to 20 receiving recognition in CTE.

Excellence in Academics and Career & Technical Education

Morgan’s nomination is backed by an outstanding record of academic rigor, technical competence, leadership in employability skills, ingenuity, and STEM advocacy.

Academic Rigor

Morgan has consistently demonstrated excellence in her coursework, earning:
 
  • A 4.35 GPA, a 30 on the ACT, and a 1460 on the SAT
  • “Distinguished” rankings in Mathematics (556) and Reading (535) on the Kentucky Summative Assessment
  • Advanced Placement (AP) scores of 5 in Pre-Calculus and 3 in Chemistry
  • Multiple dual-credit courses to further her college readiness

Technical Competence

Morgan has excelled in engineering and manufacturing pathways, including:
 
  • Passing the Kentucky End-of-Program (EOP) assessments in Automation Engineering and Engineering Design
  • Earning NOCTI industry certification for Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
  • Achieving 1st place three times at the regional level and 2nd place at the Kentucky state level for CAD Engineering, qualifying her for national competition
  • Mastering CNC machining, laser engraving, and 3D printing
  • Developing high-tech solutions in manufacturing, robotics, pneumatics, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, construction, and electronics

Employability and Leadership Skills

As a leader in the Technology Student Association (TSA), Morgan has served as:
 
  • A local officer for three years and a regional officer for two years
  • A key competitor in numerous team-based engineering and STEM events, earning multiple state and national titles, including:
    • Two State Championships in TSA Children’s Stories
    • State Champion in Forensic Science
    • 3rd Place at Nationals for Children’s Stories
    • State Champion in Manufacturing Prototypes
    • Top 10 finishes at National TSA Competitions in multiple events, including Board Game Design, Manufacturing Prototype, and twice in Children’s Stories.
Additionally, she has displayed exceptional leadership as:
 
  • President of the Bardstown High School National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)
  • Captain of the Bardstown Tiger Swim Team

Ingenuity and Creativity

Morgan has also leveraged her technical skills to develop real-world solutions for Bardstown High School, including:
 
  • Designing and 3D-printing security latches, student/staff badge holders, document holders, and hall passes for improved school security and organization
  • Repairing school culinary equipment with 3D-printed parts
  • Engraving and designing custom plaques using CNC machines for school awards

STEM Advocacy: A Role Model for Women in STEM

With women making up less than 17% of the global engineering workforce, Morgan has been a trailblazer for young women in STEM. She hopes to inspire and mentor future generations, breaking gender stereotypes and closing the STEM gap.

A Proud Moment for Bardstown City Schools

Lance Blanford, Bardstown City Schools Workforce Development Coordinator, praised Morgan’s accomplishments, stating:

“We are incredibly proud of Morgan for earning this well-deserved recognition. She exemplifies the way Bardstown High School seamlessly blends academic rigor with career and technical education, ensuring students are prepared for success in whatever path they choose. As we look to the future, the opening of the Bardstown Polytechnic Center will create even more opportunities like this for students, further strengthening our commitment to providing top-tier career and technical education.”

Morgan Hedrick is the child of Daniel Thomas and Sarah Hedrick.
 
For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, parents and students can contact the Presidential Scholars Office at 507.931.8345 or email PSP@scholarshipamerica.org.
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