November 9, 2026

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The U.S. Department of Education has announced that two Nevada students were named as 2026 Presidential Scholars.

Nationwide, 161 graduating high school seniors received the award for demonstrating excellence in academics, the arts, and career and technical education.

Nevada’s scholars, who graduated from high school in the Class of 2026, are:

• Daniel David Jackson, Procter R. Hug High School (Washoe County School District)

• Maryiam Syed, Coronado High School (Clark County School District)

“Congratulations to Daniel Jackson and Maryiam Syed on being named 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “This prestigious honor reflects their outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to service. Their dedication to excellence brings tremendous pride to our state and sets an example for students across Nevada.”

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964. Recipients are selected annually based on their SAT or ACT test results, academic success and essays, and a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

“We are exceptionally proud to celebrate Maryiam Syed and Daniel David Jackson, two of just 161 students nationwide selected as 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the academic category,” said Dr. Victor Wakfield, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Maryiam, a Clark County School District graduate now attending the University of Arizona, and Daniel, a Washoe County School District graduate and student-athlete now pursuing his education at the University of Texas at Dallas, represent the academic excellence, dedication, and potential of Nevada's students.”

As part of the awards program, Syed and Jackson nominated educators who made a significant impact on their academic journeys and they were selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars program distinguished teachers: Redell Joy Young, an AP biology and honors chemistry teacher at Coronado High School, and Ana Herrera, a biology teacher at Debbie Smith CTE Academy High School.

“The recognition of these exemplary Nevada educators highlights the profound influence teachers have in shaping students’ academic journeys and future aspirations,” Superintendent Wakefield said.

For more information on the program and student nomination procedures in Nevada, visit our U.S. Presidential Scholars Program page.

A complete list of 2026 Presidential Scholars is available on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.