(Lander, WY) – Miriam Washut of Lander has been crowned the national champion of the inaugural Presidential 1776 Award competition, earning a $150,000 scholarship and national recognition for her knowledge of civics and U.S. history.
The Wyoming Department of Education announced the news Wednesday, congratulating Washut for representing Wyoming on the national stage. The championship was broadcast nationwide Tuesday, June 30, on CBS from Washington, D.C.
Washut, a student at Lander Valley High School, was one of more than 8,000 students nationwide who began the competition with an online qualifying test. She advanced through regional oral semifinals and became one of the top finalists competing at the White House.
The fast-paced academic showdown tested students on the U.S. Constitution, the American founding and major moments in U.S. history.
“I learned how much God loves me,” Washut said of the experience. “I felt like what Eric Liddell says in Chariots of Fire, ‘God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run I feel his pleasure.'”
State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder praised Washut’s achievement.
“In Wyoming, our students grow up with a love for America and civics education. Congratulations Miriam. Wyoming is incredibly proud of you,” Degenfelder said. “Thank you to the Trump Administration and Secretary Linda McMahon for prioritizing civics education and for hosting this incredible opportunity and award.”
Wyoming officials, educators and community members are celebrating Washut’s accomplishment, which also includes a meeting with President Trump. She is the first-ever champion of the national event.
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman also congratulated Washut, saying, “She competed against students from all 50 states and came out on top. Wyoming is proud!”
The competition concluded with three students earning a combined $250,000 in scholarship money.