Latest news with #U.S.PresidentialScholarsProgram
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nine Arkansas semifinalists named in 2025 Presidential Scholars Program
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The U.S. Department of Education has announced nine Arkansas-based students have been selected as semifinalists for the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. According to a letter to Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva, the nine students selected as semifinalists come from a field of 621 students nationwide. The Arkansas students who were selected are: Taylor Matthew Conran – Farmington High School Nideaya E. Fassler – Russellville High School Xavier Christopher Herzig – Alma High School Scarlet Moore Hudgins – Elkins High School Prerana R. Kodakandla – Bentonville High School Siddhartha R. Milkuri – Bentonville High School Aubrey Scherer – Rogers Heritage High School Sylvia Ann Smith – Fayetteville High School East Campus Yahya Younus – Little Rock Central High School Department of Education officials said that the final selection will be made in the coming months for high school seniors who will be named as the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, and the names will be announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,200 of the nation's top-performing students since its 1964 inception. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Webb City senior named candidate for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
WEBB CITY, Mo. — An area graduating senior has been named as a candidate for a prestigious honor. According to a press release, Webb City High School graduating senior Jackson Dobbs was named as one of 5,000-plus candidates in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. PREVIOUS: Joplin student is a candidate for the US Presidential Scholars Program Established in 1964, the program recognises a number of graduating seniors for their accomplishments in various areas, mostly focused on academic achievements. Out of the over 5,000 candidates, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen. PREVIOUS: Local Carl Junction senior earns semifinalist status in Presidential Scholars Program Before the finalists are chosen, approximately 600 semifinalists will be selected early next month, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the scholars in May. Scholars will be awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion to commemorate their achievement and will be honored during the National Recognition Program in June. Over 8,000 U.S. Presidential Scholars have been honored since 1964. For more information on the program (and to see a list of candidates), visit the U.S. Department of Education's website, here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Express Tribune
24-02-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
New Jersey student Sahli Negassi earns perfect 1600 SAT score, scholar candidate
Listen to article Sahli Negassi, a 17-year-old student from West Orange High School in New Jersey, has accomplished an extraordinary achievement: a perfect SAT score. This accomplishment places him among a rare group of fewer than 1,000 students across the United States who reach this milestone each year. Throughout his time at West Orange High, Negassi managed to balance his academic responsibilities with leadership roles in two clubs and active participation in two sports. His path to a perfect SAT score began with a near-perfect 1590, but after reflecting on his performance, he retook the test and achieved a flawless 1600. 'I walked into class and thought, 'I can do better,'' Negassi said. Despite already having an impressive score, he decided to challenge himself further and succeeded. His drive and determination earned him a place as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, a prestigious recognition for the nation's most outstanding high school seniors. The SAT is a standardised test assessing college readiness in reading, writing, and math. and the average SAT score in the United States is 1050, according to the College Board, with many students taking the test multiple times to improve their scores. Negassi's achievement, however, is remarkable, especially considering that he achieved a 1600 on his second attempt, relying on self-study through free online resources. 'I didn't have a tutor; it was just me and whatever website I could find,' he explained. His dedication to studying was evident, as he often found time to review SAT materials between his track races. Negassi emphasized that his success on the SAT was not about innate intelligence, but about recognizing patterns, managing time effectively, and consistent practice. Oscar Guerrero, the Principal of West Orange High School, expressed admiration for Negassi's ability to excel in so many areas. 'His SAT achievement is impressive, but what stands out even more is his ability to thrive across various activities,' Guerrero said. A native of New York City, Negassi attributes much of his success to his father, who nurtured his love for learning early on by teaching him to read before he entered school. The unwavering support and sacrifices made by his parents have been instrumental in his achievements. During his time at West Orange High, Negassi joined the math team, eventually becoming president, while also leading the cross-country team as captain, where he set a new 5K record. He is also a member of the school's string ensemble, varsity chess team, and serves as president of the National Honor Society. 'Sahli's achievements serve as an inspiration for our students and demonstrate what can be accomplished through perseverance and dedication,' said Superintendent Hayden Moore in a statement. As the college application season approaches, Negassi hopes to be admitted to Harvard University, his top choice, where he plans to study law. Despite his extraordinary achievements, Negassi remains humble and credits his success to the support of his family, teachers, and friends. 'I don't consider myself a prodigy or anything special,' he said. 'This accomplishment is a collective achievement. When I think of my score, I think of my family and the people who helped me along the way.'
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Inspiration': Why Southeastern senior was nominated to be U.S. Presidential Scholar
EASTON — Ariyana Chrispin Perkins, a senior at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton, has been nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, according to a community announcement. Perkins, 18, was recommended by Southeastern School Counselor Melanie Altrich due to her academic achievements, leadership and perseverance. She maintains a 4.59 GPA while taking college-level courses through Southeastern's Early College High School program, alongside her vocational courses. Upon graduating in June, Perkins will receive both a high school diploma and an associate's degree from Massasoit Community College. She plans to attend UMass Amherst's biochemistry program in the fall. Perkins has taken on leadership roles at Southeastern, serving as a school ambassador for incoming freshmen and participating in several extracurricular activities, including the Newspaper Club, Southeastern Hawks Dinner Club and the Media Axis Club at Massasoit. She was also selected as Southeastern's representative for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference. "What truly sets Ariyana apart, however, is her ability to overcome any perceived obstacles while maintaining her unwavering focus on her goals," Altrich wrote in her nomination letter. Perkins aims to pursue a career in medicine, with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist. She has gained hands-on experience in her field through Southeastern's Early Childhood Education vocational program, working at Brockton Day Nursery and completing an externship at Manthala George Jr. Elementary School in Brockton. "Ariyana's desire to become a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist has deepened through hands-on experience working with children in her vocational program," Altrich said. "These experiences not only strengthened her desire to work with children but also allowed her to apply the skills she has developed in her vocational program." The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, is one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. It recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding academic success, leadership and service. Each year, around 3,000 students nationwide receive nominations, which are narrowed down to 650 semifinalists, and up to 161 students are finally named as Presidential Scholars. The U.S. Department of Education will announce the 2025 finalists in April, following a review by the federal Commission on Presidential Scholars. Honorees will then be invited to an awards ceremony in Washington in June, where they will receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion. 'Ariyana's nomination for the Presidential Scholars Program is a testament to her determination, intellect, hard work and commitment to excellence,' Acting Principal Christina Guarini said. 'We are incredibly proud of her.' Superintendent Holly McClanan also praised Perkins, calling her an exceptional young woman who embodies the spirit of Southeastern Regional. 'Her determination and drive serve as an inspiration to her peers, and we have no doubt she will go on to achieve great success,' McClanan said. 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 The Taunton Daily Gazette: Why Southeastern senior was nominated to be U.S. Presidential Scholar
