The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) congratulated two Pennsylvania students named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). The two Pennsylvania students were among 161 high school seniors from across the nation to receive recognition for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

“I am delighted to recognize Pennsylvania’s exceptional 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars for being awarded one of the nation’s highest academic honors,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “These students worked extremely hard, engaged in community service, and displayed outstanding leadership skills, and I am proud to have them represent the Commonwealth.”

Pennsylvania’s awardees are:

·       Aneri Shethji, North Allegheny Senior High

·       Prithvi Vijay Narayanan, State College Area High School

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations, and the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™ program.

“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.”

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,000 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. 2024 is the program’s 60th anniversary.

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 all 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at U.S. Department of Education.