Jaden Jinu Lee

MOORHEAD LIBRARY TO HOST “WHERE WE COME FROM” AUTHORS DIANE WILSON AND JOHN COY
MOORHEAD – Lake Agassiz Regional Library will once again participate in the thirteenth chapter of One Book | One Minnesota, a statewide book club inviting Minnesotans of all ages to read a common title. This year’s selection is Where We Come From by Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon GIbney & John Coy. This collaborative work features writing and illustrations exploring where each author comes from – literally and metaphorically.
Two of the book’s authors, Diane Wilson (The Seed Keeper, Beloved Child) and John Coy (Gap Life, The Secret of Fall), will present at the Moorhead Public Library on Friday, May 9 at 1:45 p.m., with a live streaming option also available at larl.org/1book1mn2025. The program is geared for youth but is open to all ages. The Moorhead Public Library is located at 118 5th St. S; Admission is free.

LOCAL STUDENT JADEN JINU LEE NAMED SEMIFINALIST IN U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
MOORHEAD – Jaden Jinu Lee, a graduating senior at Moorhead High School, has been named one of 621 semifinalists in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The semifinalists were selected from over 6,000 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2025.
Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 61st year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas– academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character and involvement in school and the community.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. Each year Scholars are presented with a Presidential Scholars Medallion.
A distinguished panel of educators have reviewed these submissions and selected 621 semifinalists. In the coming months, we will complete final selection of the high school seniors who will be named as the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, and the names of those students will be announced by the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 3RD ANNUAL DESTINY HOLIDAY COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD
MOORHEAD – Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, promotes freedom for all people, and honors the contributions that enslaved African Americans and their descendants have made to this country.
Destiny Holiday organized the first community celebration of Juneteenth in Moorhead in 2019. In 2020, the Moorhead City Council passed a resolution on the recommendation of the Moorhead Human Rights Commission to designate June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day in Moorhead.
In addition to leading efforts to have Juneteenth commemorated in Moorhead, Holiday was the founder of “The Birthing of a Diamond” and “Diamond Kids” nonprofits, which empower and support single mothers and children from disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. Moorhead is more united and resilient because of the efforts of Destiny “Grandmamma” Holiday, who was able to take the hardships she endured as a struggling black woman and create programs and community that strive to give others the resources and tools they need to succeed.
Holiday passed away in 2022. The Moorhead Human Rights Commission established the Destiny Holiday Community Champion Award in 2023 to be given annually in conjunction with the city’s Juneteenth celebration to a Moorhead resident whose contributions to the community exemplify the compassion, resilience, and commitment to lifting up others exhibited by Destiny Holiday.
Deadline for submitting nominations: Wednesday, May 20
Nominate someone for this award here:
https://moorheadmn.gov/government/boards-commissions/human-rights-commission/juneteenth-award-nominations