Dr. Brian L. Maher, Commissioner | Nebraska Department of Education
Three high school students from Nebraska have been named as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, joining a group of 161 seniors recognized nationwide for their achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the honorees. “Congratulations to this year’s Presidential Scholars for their remarkable academic, artistic, and technical achievements,” said McMahon. “Out of 3.9 million high school graduates, these 161 students are recognized for their extraordinary performance in their high school career. I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in their future!”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects recipients each year based on academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, along with demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.
This year more than 6,400 candidates qualified for consideration through outstanding scores on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or by nominations from chief state school officers and partner organizations.
The program recognizes one young man and one young woman from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. families living abroad; additionally it includes at-large scholars as well as those distinguished in the arts or career and technical education fields.
Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,600 students nationally. The initiative expanded in 1979 to include exceptional talent in visual, literary and performing arts; another expansion in 2015 began recognizing accomplishment in career and technical education.
A full list of this year’s U.S. Presidential Scholars can be found at the U.S. Department of Education website (https://www.ed.gov/psp).
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