A duPont Manual High School Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS) senior known for his remarkable character, powerful musical theater performances, and academic excellence has been named a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
Chase Phillips is one of just five Kentucky students and 161 seniors nationwide to join the U.S. Presidential Scholars class of 2024.
“I’m really in shock,” Phillips said. “I wasn’t expecting this. I’m just very grateful and excited.”
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes distinguished high school seniors and is one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.
Phillips is one of 20 “scholars in the arts.” He attended a week-long Young Arts program in January in Miami, FL that he called “one of the best weeks of my life.” As a scholar in the arts, Phillips said he also gets to be part of an active community of others who have won the award.
YPAS Counselor Jasmine Romans nominated Phillips, calling him a “hard working, positive, and thoughtful young individual” who is an “extraordinary role model” for underclassmen.
Phillips was homeschooled before he came to Manual his sophomore year, he said.
“YPAS has been such an amazing part of my life,” Phillips said. “I feel like I’ve grown as a person and an artist.”
Phillips studies musical theater at YPAS and has performed in multiple plays and musicals while maintaining an academically rigorous course load. He participated in the Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) in the summer of 2022 and plans to study musical theater in college.
Phillips also actively participates with the school’s Black Student Union (BSU), helping create a safe place for information and support for other students, participating in the BSU’s Multicultural Festival, and organizing a Black History Month Performance, Romans said in her nomination letter.
Outside of school, Phillips performs with the modern dance company Keen Dance Theatre and volunteers in the community. He has worked with the Immigrant Refugee Assistant Program and has also volunteered his time as a dance teacher at the Cabbage Patch Settlement House.
“Chase truly is a one of a kind student and exemplary member in our Musical Theatre program,” Romans said. “He radiates positivity and love for his craft…It takes self-discipline and desire to be successful, and he has been able to do it with ease.”