Angelique Hernandez (PTHS '26) is one of 12 Kentucky students named as semifinalists in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. There are 627 students nation-wide who qualified for this honor. Angelique qualified in the arts.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the president, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Angelique is an AP Scholar and graduate of the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts (in visual arts) and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Youth LEAD program. Her oil paintings have received state-wide awards the past two years at the KyAEA All-State Purchase/Pennyrile Regional High School Art Exhibition. She has had numerous pieces selected for the annual Yeiser Art Center regional Teen Spirit exhibit and competition and has had her pieces selected for exhibit at local art venues and coffeehouses. She was recently voted “Most Artistic” by her senior class.
Angelique was selected as one of two students to be a Junior Board Member for Paducah Public Schools. She is President of Tilghman’s National Honor Society and PT PageTurners Club, and is a member of the Interact Club and the Upward Bound Math and Science Program TRIO. She has been 1st Chair Bass (and Virtuoso Grand Master Award recipient) in Tilghman’s Orchestra all four years as well as 1st Chair Bassist in the Paducah Symphony Orchestra Honor Strings Academy, and was selected as bassist for the Quad-State Strings Orchestra. She’s also a member of the African American Leadership Club, a student ambassador for Paducah Bank, and is a PTHS Student Ambassador. She’s a four-year varsity soccer player, a member of the Pumas traveling team, and has been a state qualifier in cross country and track. She has many hours of volunteering at our community agencies, and traveled to El Salvador as the translator for our school Interact Club. She’s a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church of Paducah.
Angelique’s parents are Alma Lemuz and Isidro Hernandez.