The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Application
Application is by invitation only. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) invites students, during the year of their graduation from high school, to apply based on their scores on the SAT or ACT exam; their nomination by a Chief State School Officer (Commissioner of Education); or their nomination from one of ED's partner recognition organizations.
Students in Kentucky must be nominated by their high school and apply to be considered for nomination by the Kentucky Education Commissioner. Nominations open annually each fall. Students who meet all qualifications will automatically be sent program notification and a unique nomination ID in January from ED.
Additional details about the nomination criteria and selection process are available on the U.S. Department of Education website.
Five Kentucky students named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars
The Kentucky students are:
- Owen Matthew Borden, Highlands High School (Fort Thomas Independent);
- Jennifer Mi Nguyen, The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehead State University;
- Joshua Zyzak, Beechwood High School (Beechwood Independent);
- Chase R. Phillips, duPont Manual High School (Jefferson County); and
- Sarah Elise Cauley, Murray High School (Murray Independent).
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.
As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of two students from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.
A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at the U.S. Department of Education website.