The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors, established in 1964 by executive order to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, character, and service. Over time, the program expanded to include students with outstanding accomplishments in the visual and performing arts as well as career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are selected from thousands of candidates nationwide through an invitation-only process based on academic performance, artistic excellence, or state nominations. Finalists are chosen by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and honored by the U.S. Department of Education, often receiving recognition in Washington, D.C. The program emphasizes not only intellectual achievement, but also civic responsibility and contributions to school and community life.
Our district is proud to celebrate an unprecedented achievement: three students named U.S. Presidential Scholars Semifinalists across multiple categories: Ashleigh Boerema and Reagan Campbell in Fine Arts, and Leia Rombough in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Notably, Ashleigh and Reagan are the only Fine Arts semifinalists from South Dakota, while Leia is one of just two CTE semifinalists in the state. This recognition places them among the nation’s most distinguished high school seniors, honored for their excellence, leadership, and dedication to their craft. To our knowledge, this marks the first time our district has had semifinalists in any category, making this accomplishment especially significant for our students and community.
We are #TigerProud! 🐾