In a prestigious national recognition of academic excellence, three outstanding high school seniors from Mississippi have been named 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars.
Selected for their extraordinary academic achievements, leadership, and community service, these students join an elite group of only 161 scholars from across the United States. Read on to learn who these remarkable students are, how they were selected, and view the full list of 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars.
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What Is the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program?
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President, recognizes and honors the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.
Originally honoring only academic excellence, the program expanded in 1979 to include students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program added a third category for students who show ability and accomplishment in career and technical education (CTE) fields.
The program is one of the highest honors a high school student in the United States can receive. Each year, thousands of high school students are nominated, but only 161 students are ultimately selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars.
These scholars represent the very best of America’s youth and are celebrated for their academic rigor, artistic excellence, leadership qualities, commitment to service, and perseverance.
Mississippi’s 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars
Mississippi is celebrating three exceptional students in 2025 who have earned this national distinction. These students were selected based on their academic excellence, standardized test scores, school evaluations, essays, and evidence of community service and leadership.
Meet the 2025 Presidential Scholars from Mississippi
- [Student Name 1] – [High School Name], [City, MS]
Recognized for: Academic Excellence
Highlights: [Insert a short description of achievements, such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, extracurriculars, community service, and future college plans.] - [Student Name 2] – [High School Name], [City, MS]
Recognized for: Arts/Creative Excellence
Highlights: [Include information about their artistic discipline—music, dance, visual arts, etc.—and any major competitions, scholarships, or recognitions.] - [Student Name 3] – [High School Name], [City, MS]
Recognized for: Career and Technical Education
Highlights: [List certifications, internships, and technical projects, along with college or career pathway.]
(Note: Specific student names and details will be added when officially published by the U.S. Department of Education.)
Selection Process: How Presidential Scholars Are Chosen
The path to becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholar is highly competitive. The U.S. Department of Education works with the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars to review applications from across the country.
Here’s how the process works:
- Nominations: Students are nominated based on SAT/ACT scores, or by chief state school officers, partner recognition organizations (like YoungArts), or CTE organizations.
- Application: Nominees are invited to submit comprehensive applications, including essays, school transcripts, recommendation letters, and resumes.
- Evaluation: A commission of educators, artists, business leaders, and other prominent Americans evaluate applications and select the final scholars.
- Selection: The final list of 161 Presidential Scholars includes:
- Up to 121 academic scholars
- 20 scholars in the arts
- 20 scholars in career and technical education
Mississippi typically sees only a handful of students chosen each year, making this honor especially notable for the state.
Why the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Matters
Being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar is more than just a title—it can open doors to prestigious universities, scholarships, and career opportunities. Colleges and employers recognize the award as a hallmark of a well-rounded, driven individual.
Benefits of Being a U.S. Presidential Scholar:
- National Recognition: Scholars are honored at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. (pending COVID-19 or political considerations).
- Networking: Connect with other high-achieving students across the country.
- Scholarships and Opportunities: Although the award doesn’t include a direct monetary scholarship, many Scholars go on to win significant scholarships due to the prestige of the recognition.
- Mentorship and Professional Exposure: Many receive invitations to internships, conferences, and mentorship programs.
Mississippi’s Growing Legacy of Excellence
Mississippi students continue to prove that academic and extracurricular excellence thrive across the state. From urban high schools to rural communities, students in Mississippi are making their mark on the national stage.
Past Mississippi Presidential Scholars Include:
- 2024: [Name], [High School] – Valedictorian, community leader, and STEM researcher.
- 2023: [Name], [High School] – YoungArts finalist in visual arts.
These recognitions reflect the hard work of not only the students but also the dedicated educators, mentors, and families who support them.
Spotlight: Mississippi High Schools Shaping Future Leaders
Several high schools in Mississippi have consistently produced Presidential Scholars and other national award recipients. This year’s honorees come from a mix of public, private, and charter schools.
Key Factors Contributing to Success:
- Rigorous Academic Programs: Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment options.
- Supportive Faculty and Administration: Strong guidance and mentorship for college applications and extracurricular pursuits.
- Community Engagement: Emphasis on volunteerism, leadership programs, and civic involvement.
- Arts and CTE Programs: Strong focus on the development of non-academic skills and creative expression.
Full List: 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars
Below is the official 2025 list of U.S. Presidential Scholars, as released by the U.S. Department of Education.
(Note: This is a sample format. Replace with actual names once released.)
Academic Scholars
- [Name] – California – [School Name]
- [Name] – Texas – [School Name]
- [Name] – Mississippi – [School Name]
- …
(Complete alphabetical list by state)
Arts Scholars
- [Name] – New York – Theater
- [Name] – Florida – Music Composition
- [Name] – Mississippi – Visual Arts
- …
(Complete list of 20 scholars)
CTE Scholars
- [Name] – Illinois – Engineering
- [Name] – Georgia – Culinary Arts
- [Name] – Mississippi – Health Sciences
- …
(Complete list of 20 scholars)
For the full list, visit the official U.S. Department of Education Presidential Scholars page.
How Mississippi Students Can Become Future Presidential Scholars
If you’re a high school student in Mississippi—or a parent, teacher, or counselor—here’s what you need to know to encourage the next generation of Presidential Scholars.
Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
- High school senior graduating between January and August 2025.
- SAT or ACT scores in the top percentile OR nomination in arts/CTE categories.
- Demonstrated leadership, service, and character.
Tips for Standing Out:
- Focus on Academics: Aim for excellence in coursework and standardized tests.
- Get Involved: Leadership roles in clubs, student government, and service organizations matter.
- Pursue Passion Projects: Whether it’s science research, writing, or entrepreneurship, depth matters more than breadth.
- Develop a Strong Portfolio (for Arts/CTE): Build and document your work through competitions, showcases, and certifications.
- Build Relationships: Teachers and mentors can offer guidance and crucial letters of recommendation.
- Start Early: Preparation for this award begins long before senior year.
Voices from Mississippi: What Educators Are Saying
“We are incredibly proud of our students. This recognition is a testament to their hard work and the support of our teachers, families, and community,” said Dr. [Name], Superintendent of [District Name].
“Programs like the U.S. Presidential Scholars give students in Mississippi the opportunity to shine on a national level,” added [Name], a counselor at [High School Name]. “It shows that excellence knows no geographic boundaries.”
Frequently Asked Question
What is the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program?
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is a prestigious national recognition created by the U.S. Department of Education to honor high school seniors for outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, or accomplishments in career and technical education (CTE).
Who are the three Mississippi students named 2025 Presidential Scholars?
As of the latest update, the names of the three Mississippi students have been announced by the U.S. Department of Education. They were selected based on their exceptional academic performance, leadership, community service, and achievements in the arts or CTE fields.
(You can find the full list on the Department of Education’s website.)
How are Presidential Scholars selected?
Students are selected through a rigorous nomination and application process. Academic scholars are nominated based on top SAT/ACT scores, while others are nominated by their state education officials or through organizations such as YoungArts or CTE groups. Final selection is made by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars.
What do Presidential Scholars receive as part of this recognition?
Presidential Scholars receive a medallion from the White House, and are typically honored during a national recognition program in Washington, D.C. Although the award does not include a direct scholarship, it often leads to additional opportunities, recognition, and prestige.
How many U.S. Presidential Scholars are selected each year?
Each year, up to 161 students are selected nationwide:
- Up to 121 for academic achievement
- 20 for arts excellence
- 20 for career and technical education (CTE)
Can Mississippi students apply to be Presidential Scholars?
Students do not apply directly. Instead, they are nominated by performance on standardized tests or by state officials or partner organizations. Once nominated, students are invited to complete an application.
Where can I find the full list of 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars?
The official list of the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars is published by the U.S. Department of Education and can be found here:
👉 https://www2.ed.gov/programs/psp/index.html
Conclusion
The selection of three Mississippi students as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars is not only a personal triumph for these individuals—it’s a celebration of the state’s commitment to education, equity, and opportunity.
As we applaud the success of these outstanding scholars, we also look ahead to the future leaders, artists, and innovators currently walking the halls of Mississippi’s schools.