Staff Report
BUDA — Ava Schlotterbeck, a graduating senior at Johnson High School, has been named one of more than 5,000 candidates in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school in the year 2026. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors, stated a news release. Scholars are selected based on superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.
Further consideration will be based on the students' essays, self-assessments, description of activities, school recommendations and transcripts.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership and service to school and community. It was then expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.
Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth, the release continued.
A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in the spring. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of eminent citizens appointed by the president, will select the finalists and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the scholars in the summer.
To commemorate their achievement, U.S. Presidential Scholars are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.
For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, parents and students can email the U.S. Presidential Scholars Office at [email protected] or call 507.931.8345.
