One of 141 in nation: Moser receives Presidential Scholarship

Colton’s Kelsey Moser is among 141 seniors in the nation to be awarded a presidential scholarship this year. The award provides an all-expenses paid trip this summer to Washington D.C.

Presidential scholars do not receive monetary awards, but the honor puts them in good stead for landing other scholarships and awards.

Students are selected by their SAT and ACT test scores, classroom achievements, and their success in the arts.

In an interview with the Gazette May 14, Moser said her success might just be because she is an excellent test-taker.

“I think I just take tests really well,” Moser said, adding her SAT score was 1,580 out of 1,600.

Presidential scholars are also allowed to select a teacher to accompany them to the capital, and Moser has selected her English teacher, Jan Mantle. She has taught Moser for five years.

“I have never had to worry about her work or understanding. She has a depth of understanding that a lot of people her age don’t have,” said Mantle. “She is an all-around person. She is a gifted athlete, a gifted student and she is beautiful on top of it all.”

Moser next year plans to attend the University of Washington. She has received several scholarships which are expected to cover most of her college costs.

Moser also received acceptance to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but decided costs of attending the college there were too steep.

Moser grew up in Colton. She is the oldest of four daughters of Dan and Nora Moser.

Her career at the Colton High School is packed with scholastic and athletic achievements, a feat she says is a result of her competitive nature.

“In my family, if you do something, you do it to the best of your ability,” she said.

Moser is the valedictorian of Colton’s class this year. She is also the ASB president. She has competed on Wildcats sports year-round, volleyball, basketball and softball. On the day of the interview, her elbow was taped prior to pitching for the Wildcats in a softball game.

With a few specks of glitter dusting her cheeks and a braid in her hair, Moser pointed out her high school life isn’t all test-taking.

She likes to watch Friends, the TV sitcom, with friends on weekend nights. Driving to Pullman to poke around the expansive turf is another interest.

As ASB president, she and a few other students put together a black-light dance at the school last November.

“We put on black lights and put on white and neon [clothes] and threw laundry detergent around,” she said with a light smile.

Moser’s graduating class will probably total 19 students. Moser said she does not have a high school sweetheart.

“I’m related to half the guys in my class. It’s Colton,” Moser said.

Her trip to D.C. will include a chance to attend a ceremony alongside First Lady Michelle Obama or vice president Joe Biden.

President Barack Obama could make an appearance.

Moser’s mother, Nora, and other family members may also make the trip.