Christian Trimmingham, a senior from Richmond studying at Interlochen Arts Academy, has been selected as a 2024 Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Awarded by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, this honor recognizes Christian as one of the top 20 high school artists in the United States.

This announcement adds another milestone to the theater major’s tenure at the Michigan academy, where he has landed leading roles such as Claudius in “Hamlet" and Frederick Douglass in the world premiere of the opera “Edmonia.”

“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. His recent performances have been exceptional, and he also excels academically and contributes significantly to our community. We are excited for Christian to receive this well-deserved honor and look forward to watching all he will accomplish in the future.”

The school’s Arts Director of Theatre, William Church, was also recognized as a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Distinguished Teacher in acknowledgment of his role in Christian’s success.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars program, established in 1964, honors the nation’s most outstanding high school seniors for their academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The selection process for Arts Scholars involves a rigorous competition through the YoungArts program, which identifies top artists age 15 to 18.

“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 will continue his studies at Carnegie Mellon University. He is the 51st student in the academy’s history to receive this esteemed award. Academy Award-winning actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who has a role in the Pharrell Williams biopic being filmed in Richmond, also attended the school.