MEDIA CONTACT: Meghan Frick, GaDOE Communications Director, mfrick@doe.k12.ga.us
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May 10, 2023 – Four Georgia students have been recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholars, a prestigious honor for the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Aira Dani of Northview High School, Michelle Li of North Oconee High School, Sahil Sood of Lambert High School, and Jack Xu of George Walton High School received the award. Sood and Dani were recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education and are among just 20 CTE Presidential Scholars recognized nationally in 2023.

“I am so proud of Aira, Michelle, Sahil, and Jack – they have pursued excellence in academics and in life and represented the state of Georgia with distinction," State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “I look forward to seeing the success these students will achieve in the future and wish them the very best in their future endeavors." 

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for general academic achievement; for exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts; or for ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are recognized as Presidential Scholars.

The 59th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars was announced today, with 161 high school seniors recognized for their accomplishments. As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman 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 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available here.​