Holtville High student recognized for achievements in academics and agriculture

HOLTVILLE, Calif. (KYMA) - A Holtville High School student is being recognized for his achievements in academics and agriculture.

17-year-old Kyle Self has been named as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholarship Award, a national program created to recognize high school seniors.

It was originally designed to award academic excellence, but has expanded to the fields of arts, agriculture and career technology.

Self is one of five nominees from the state of California. He credits his support system for inspiring him.

"When I think about this award, I don't really think about myself. I think about all the people who have who have played such monumental roles of making me into the person I am today," Self shared. "First among them is of course my parents and my family, my grandparents. But I also think, because it is an educational award, all of the different teachers."

Self has been gaining the praises of his peers and teachers alike, with Agriculture Studies teacher Lindsay Cox saying she believes Self can do anything he puts his mind to.

"We're all incredibly proud of him for being nominated for this program. I think that it's a really great accomplishment and testament to the kind of human that he is and the kind of student that he is that he's recognized for something at this level," Cox said.

Self revealed that he originally had plans to become an Agriculture Studies teacher, although recently he has felt the pull towards studying to become a pastor.

Now, a panel of educators appointed by the president will review all of the candidates and narrow down the finalists this spring. The recipients of the scholarship will be announced this summer.