Three Alaskans are among the 161 high school seniors in America who are recognized as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars. The prestigious award acknowledges outstanding accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education.
Students can become Presidential Scholars based on three paths of accomplishment. Most are selected for their broad academic achievement. In Alaska this included Colton Luke Merriner, who attends Grace Christian School in Anchorage, and Xinlan A. Tanner, who attends Connections Home School Program in Kenai.
Along with the two broadly academic scholars from each state, 20 additional students are selected based on artistic scholarship, and another 20 are chosen for accomplishments in career and technical education. Ruby Tansy, of Lathrop High School in Fairbanks was among the career and technical scholars.
Last year, an Anchorage homeschooler and a Mat-Su career and tech student were named Presidential Scholars, highlighting the achievements of students who have opted to forego the traditional, neighborhood public school model for a more tailored and personalized educational experience.
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“Out of 3.9 million high school graduates, these 161 students are recognized for their extraordinary performance in their high school career. I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in their future,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
Of the nearly 4 million students who graduated from high school this year, more than 6,400 candidates met at least the minimum qualifications for the 2025 award based on outstanding performance on the SAT or ACT exam, or nominations made by school officers and partner recognition organizations.
Since 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,600 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Students from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad are among the scholars.
