Six Mississippi students from high schools throughout the state have been named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars semifinalists.
According to the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), the program honors the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.
The semifinalists include:
- Madison Echols – Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
- Keegan Figueroa – Mooreville High School
- Leo Mei – Madison Central High School
- Yolanda D. Ni – Oak Grove High School
- Isaiah C. Robertson – Tishomingo County High School
- Shreya Sinha – Madison Central High School
This year’s semifinalists were selected from thousands of candidates nationwide, with the semifinalists set to form the pool from which 161 students will be chosen to be a 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
Each year, U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen based on accomplishments in academic and artistic success, career and technical fields, leadership, and involvement in school and the community. The scholars represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s young people.
“The MDE joins local school districts, families, and communities in celebrating these students for academic excellence,” said Mike Kent, interim state superintendent of education. “These scholars are positioning themselves for continued success in college and their future careers.”
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in Washington D.C.
This year’s U.S. Presidential Scholars will be announced in early May and the National Recognition Program is tentatively planned for June.
