RALEIGH — Two North Carolina students have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars.
Dishita Agarwal from The Early College at Guilford and Jacob Elijah Chen from Providence Day School have been honored as U.S. Presidential Scholars, alongside 15 other semifinalists from North Carolina.
“The 161 high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others and embrace opportunities to lead.”
The recognition is awarded annually to 161 students nationwide for exceptional achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.
“While being nationally recognized for academic excellence is a phenomenal feat on its own, it is even more impressive when factoring in the once in a lifetime educational hurdles the class of 2024 saw at the start of their high school careers due to the pandemic,” said NC State Superintendent Catherine Truitt in a press release. “These students exemplify adaptability and perseverance and should be commended for their exceptional achievement.”
Out of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate in 2024, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the awards through outstanding performance on standardized tests or nominations by educational authorities and partner organizations.
The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be honored with an online recognition program this summer, marking the program’s 60th anniversary. For more information and the complete list of scholars, visit ed.gov/psp.
