25-02-2025
Vermont Agency of Education announces 2025 Presidential Scholars: Who was chosen?
MONTPELIER — The Vermont Agency of Education has announced the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Scholars awards, according to a community announcement.
The awards recognize students in three categories: general, arts and career technical education. Students are nominated by teachers and administrators, and they can also nominate themselves.
"The 2025 class of Presidential Scholars embodies what makes Vermont's education system special," Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders said in the announcement. "These students are leaders in their schools, role models for their peers, and important members of their communities. I'm thrilled to congratulate these exceptional students and their families on this exciting achievement.'
The Presidential Scholars in the Arts are Cora Chivington from Green Mountain Technology and Career Center, Hailey Messier from Essex High School and Sage Wyndorf from Burlington Technical Center.
Honorable mentions in the arts category include Gareth Fox from Poultney High School, Danika Orava from Long Trail School, Silas Quinn from Middlebury Union High School, Lily Root from Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center and Emma Southworth from Burr and Burton Academy.
The Presidential Scholars in Career Technical Education are Isabella Benson from Burlington Technical Center's Health Sciences Academy, Brayden Carton from Green Mountain Technology and Career Center's Engineering program, Maggi Ellsworth from River Bend Career and Technical Center's Health Science Technology program, Brianne Gallas from Burlington Technical Center's Health Sciences Academy and Julia Morton from Center for Technology, Essex's Dental Assisting 2 program.
Honorable mentions in the career technical education category are Camryn Benoit and Emma St. Pierre, both from Cold Hollow Career Center's Medical Careers program.
The Presidential Scholars in General Education are Richie Amerson from Burlington High School, Esabella Amoah from South Burlington High School, Mikayla Chagnon from Richford High School, Vincy Chan from Burr and Burton Academy, Elizabeth Cunningham from Rice Memorial High School, Katherine Duling from Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, Grey Fearon from Vergennes Union High School, Ella Ferrone from Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, Nick Heinrich from Burke Mountain Academy, Anna Howard from Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax, Jonah Hutchin from Home Study, Jackson Kitts from Burr and Burton Academy, Amelia Partlow from Missisquoi Valley Union High School, Finn Reuter from Home Study, Julia Todd from South Burlington High School and Jing Williams from Vergennes Union High School.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by an executive order from President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was expanded to include students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, it was further expanded to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Vermont scholars in the general and career technical education categories will be invited to apply to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which will announce its winners in the spring. Additional Vermont students are invited to apply by the U.S. Department of Education based on their SAT and/or ACT scores. Each year, up to 161 students are named as national Presidential Scholars, one of the highest national honors for high school students.
The Vermont Agency of Education implements state and federal laws, policies and regulations to ensure all Vermont learners have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities. The agency accomplishes this mission through leadership, support and oversight of Vermont's public education system.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont Agency of Education recognizes 2025 Presidential Scholars
