Watertown Graduate Whitney Martinsen Named U.S. Presidential Scholars Semi‑Finalist
- Steve Jurrens
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board took time Monday night to honor one of the district’s most accomplished recent graduates. Whitney Martinsen, a member of the Class of 2026, was formally recognized as a semi‑finalist for the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honors.
“We’ve got one very recognizable young lady here tonight,” announced Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen as Martinsen stepped forward. “Whitney Martinsen is a semi‑finalist for the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.”
Dr. Danielsen noted that Martinsen recently graduated from Watertown High School and will attend Georgetown University beginning this fall.
“Thank you for coming in,” a board chair John Iverson told her during the recognition. “Thank you,” Martinsen replied.
A Prestigious National Honor
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes some of the nation’s highest‑achieving students each year. Only a small number of students nationwide advance to the semi‑finalist stage, selected for academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and personal achievement.
Martinsen’s selection places her among the top students in the United States for the 2025–26 academic year.
