THS Senior Theo Shields Receives Prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholar Nomination

In a first-of-its-kind honor for a Thurston High School student, THS senior Theo Shields has been named a candidate for the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The Presidential Scholars Program is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students, recognizing exceptional academic achievement and potential. Only those invited to apply by the U.S. Department of Education are eligible and candidates are chosen based on ACT or SAT test scores. Presidential Scholars will be named in the summer.

“In twenty years of education, this is the first time I have encountered a student nominated for this honor,” said THS counselor Moria Golub.

Shields is no stranger to academic success, having earned an Associate’s degree from Lane Community College at age 14.

Personable and thoughtful by nature, Shields then made a choice that even he describes as “odd”: going from college to high school.

“I’m probably the only person to make the really odd decision of going from college to high school,” Theo said. “I just wanted a community.”

And THS has delivered. “I’ve definitely met a lot of different people,” he said. “I understand people very well now, which I didn’t before…I have a lot of great friends here.”

Attending high school hasn’t slowed Theo’s academic drive. While carrying a full load of mostly advanced classes at THS, he’s balancing the high school experience with college courses at the University of Oregon.

While his academic ability is clear, Golub emphasizes his work ethic.

“I have observed him work very hard to master material. My observation is that getting the A is in part the drive to maintain his solid 4.0 GPA, but it is also that deeply ingrained drive to crack the code, solve the problem, master the skill that one who is deeply motivated by learning strives for until it is obtained.” 

Looking ahead, Shields is considering attending either the University of Chicago or Boston University, with plans to study environmental science or political science. His long-term goals include a career in public service, potentially as a legislator or in international relations.

That ambition reflects both his intellectual curiosity and his growing understanding of the world around him - something he credits, in part, to his time at Thurston.

“I’m really grateful for everything Thurston has done for me.”