The accolades for one Corner Canyon High School alum continue to pile up as Blake Hullinger has been named a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar, adding yet another feather to a cap already flush with achievements; he joins an exclusive club of 115 high school seniors across the nation, and one of only four from the state of Utah, to be recognized this year for their exceptional academic and artistic endeavors.
With a history of performances that span across the U.S. and Canada, including playing with the Zachary Levi Big Band and touring with a Broadway show at 12 years old, not to forget sharing keys with the pianos of greats like Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis, Hullinger's latest honor cements his stature as an outstanding young talent, as reported by the Canyons District. From winning the Utah PTA Battle of the Bands to performing with Utah’s All-State Band, he's shown a prowess that transcends mere academic accolade, his skill as a multi-instrumentalist evidencing a dedication to craft as much as a commitment to scholarship.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program stands as a testament to the highest levels of scholastic achievement, lauding students not only for their academic acumen but also for their contributions in the arts and career and technical education fields, a standard Hullinger evidently upholds with his notable performances on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Molly Hart, as obtained by the Canyons District, heralded the select group for their “dedication and achievements" and touted their example as a beacon for their peers.
Corner Canyon's nurturing ground has undoubtedly been well tilled by Hullinger, who started on piano at the tender age of five and has since added guitar, drums, saxophone, and bass to his musical arsenal, his band Moon Juice garnering consecutive wins in Corner Canyon’s Battle of the Bands. Principal Dina Kohler's pride was palpable in her remark to the Canyons District, stating, “Blake was one of the most remarkable students.” She praised his "genuine kindness and care for other people, not to mention his excellence in academics and performing arts," as per Canyons District.
