Presidential Scholars

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.

Each school is invited to nominate up to 3 students (1 male and 1 female for general) and one student to be included as a candidate for recognition for excellence in CTE. We encourage you to nominate students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship but who might not otherwise be nominated through the current SAT/ACT, Arts, or CTE recognition processes.

All high school seniors graduating between January and August of 2025 who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and who attend public, parochial, or independent schools, as well as those who are home-schooled, are eligible.

Nominations for the 2025 Presidential Scholar program are now open. 2025 Nomination form

Three 2024 New Hampshire seniors named U.S. Presidential Scholars

  • Prayag J. Patel of Auburn, The Derryfield School
  • Molly Fitzgerald DellaValla of Jackson, Home Education
  • Deetya B. Nagri of Nashua, Nashua High School South

Two NH seniors named U.S. Presidential Scholars 

  • Aaron R. Joy, Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter
  • Sora Shirai, Hanover High School, Hanover

 

For more information, including eligibility and FAQs, visit the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.