(FRANKFORT KY) – Two Kentucky students are among 161 high school students named to the U.S. Presidential Scholars class of 2025 for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.
The Kentucky students are:
- Maya K. Davis, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (Fayette County), and
- Palmer M. Schmidt, The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehead State University.
“We at the Kentucky Department of Education thank the teachers and families who support and encourage these students every day and congratulate Maya and Palmer on being chosen for such a prestigious honor,” said Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher. “Being named as a U.S. Presidential Scholar is one of the highest honors a high school student can attain. We are immensely proud of them and know they are on the path toward a successful and fulfilling future.”
Of the 3.9 million students that graduated from high school this year, more than 6,400 candidates qualified for the 2025 award based on outstanding performance on the SAT or ACT exam, or nominations made by chief state school officers and partner recognition organizations.
Since 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 8,600 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.
Two students from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. families living abroad are selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars. The slated honored in 2025 includes an additional 15 scholars chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts, and 20 scholars in career and technical education.
A complete list of the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available on the U.S. Department of Education website.
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