Oakmont High School senior Alyssa Schmidt is U.S. Presidential Scholars Program candidate

Oakmont High School senior Alyssa Schmidt is one of about 5,000 candidates selected for the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6-million high school seniors throughout the U.S. Candidates are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Schmidt, who lives in Roseville's West Park area, is the Oakmont High School's Associated Student Body president. She is also the Mock Trial team president, Key Club vice-president, California Scholarship Federation member, International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate, Junior Academic Merit Scholar - summa cum laude, and has earned her Spanish Biliteracy Seal. Other school extracurricular activities include being on the Oakmont Varsity Swim Team and being the World Travelers Club, founder/president. Outside of school, Schmidt is on the Placer County Youth Commission and co-chairs the Substance Abuse Committee, where she represents and advocates for her peers in substance-related policymaking discussions and decisions. She has more than 150 hours of service through various organizations, such as food banks, her church, Bike Angels United and working at the voting polls. Schmidt also interns at Santana and Smith Law Firm. "I am so grateful and excited for the opportunity to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar, and it feels so rewarding to have my hard work for the past four years recognized and acknowledged at such a prestigious level," Schmidt said. "I would like to thank my parents and sisters for their unconditional love, guidance and support, as well as all of my teachers, coaches and mentors that have contributed to my journey thus far." Schmidt has impressive credentials for someone so young because she stays focused. "I stayed motivated by constantly reminding myself of my goals and always trying to look at the bigger picture," Schmidt said. "Over the past four years, I have shaped my work ethic around what I hope to accomplish and push myself to do my best. I also rely on the support of my family, friends and teachers, who are always motivating me to be the best version of myself. I can always count on my mom for a pep talk." Schmidt plans to study political science and public policy in college, followed by law school. After her undergraduate studies, she wants to join the Peace Corps and volunteer worldwide through its "Youth in Development" program that focuses on empowering the next generation of leaders through hands-on volunteer work. Schmidt wants to promote active citizenship and education awareness in environmental issues, public health and technology. One of Schmidt's goals is to create legislative change for issues such as homelessness and youth hunger, and the youth substance-abuse epidemic. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize the country's most distinguished seniors. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen. The Commission on Presidential Scholars will select the finalists and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the scholars in May. "As parents, we are proud of Alyssa's academic accomplishments and the U.S. Presidential Scholar Programs' recognition of her hard work and dedication throughout her high school career," said her mother, Rebecca Schmidt. "More importantly, we are so very proud of the kind, caring and compassionate person that she has become by living the mantra of doing what you can, where you can and when you can." Schmidt has advice for younger students: "I would tell my younger self that I can do anything I set my mind to and to trust the process. Everything happens for a reason, and even though it may not seem like it at the moment, I will eventually end up where I am supposed to be."