Thirteen Maryland Students Named Presidential Scholar Semifinalists

Thirteen students from Maryland public high schools have been recognized as semifinalists for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program for 2026, as announced by the Maryland Department of Education. These distinguished individuals represent five different school systems across the state and are among an elite group of high school seniors nationwide being honored for their exceptional achievements. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964, aims to recognize and celebrate graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic and artistic excellence, as well as leadership and community involvement.

The selection process for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is rigorous, with up to 161 students across the country ultimately being named as Scholars. Semifinalists are identified based on a comprehensive review of their accomplishments, encompassing academic prowess, artistic talents, success in career and technical education pathways, leadership qualities, and engagement in their schools and communities. The Maryland Department of Education expressed pride in the students’ national recognition, highlighting their accomplishments as representative of the highest caliber of academic and technical education.

The thirteen Maryland semifinalists hail from various school districts. Anne Arundel County Public Schools is represented by Nora B. Devine from Severna Park High School, recognized for career and technical education. Calvert County Public Schools has Kayla Rae Jones from Patuxent High School, also a CTE semifinalist. Howard County Public School System boasts four semifinalists: Nikhil R. Maddirala from Marriott Ridge High School, Advik Rai from River Hill High School, Chelsea I. Sun from Atholton High School, who is recognized for CTE, and Jayen A. Tolia from Reservoir High School. Montgomery County Public Schools has a significant contingent of six semifinalists: Mayme Rose Killeen from Walt Whitman High School, Anya Frances Kleinman and Grace E. Li from Richard Montgomery High School, Cooper Liu Li from Montgomery Blair High School, Sherry Lin from Richard Montgomery High School, and Aditya Purohit from Richard Montgomery High School. Rounding out the Maryland semifinalists is Ella Bryn Rechtorovic from Williamsport High School in Washington County Public Schools, who is being honored for her artistic achievements. In total, fourteen Maryland students, including one from a private institution, are among the 627 semifinalists nationwide this year.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Education

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