Edelblut congratulates New Hampshire's Presidential Scholars

CONCORD – New Hampshire Education Commissioner today congratulated a pair of New Hampshire students, who were among the 161 high schoolers named to the 55^th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars.

Benjamin Daniel Jachim-Gallagher of Newport (Newport) Middle High School and Michaela Phan of Portsmouth (Phillips Exeter Academy) were selected by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, and announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Both students will be invited to receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion at the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program’s annual ceremony on Washington D.C. on June 23.

"I am so proud that Benjamin and Michaela have been recognized for their academic achievement, community service, and leadership," Edelblut said. "They are a credit to their schools, and to the Granite State."

The U.S. Presidential Scholars program was established by executive order in 1964 to recognize some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts, and again in 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

• Complete list of Presidential Scholars.