CARSON CITY Nev. – Three Nevada students were among 161 high school seniors chosen by the U.S. Department of Education as U.S. Presidential Scholars. The students are:

• Dakyung Lee - Coronado High School (Henderson)
• Clarence Ndubisi - The Meadows School (Las Vegas)
• Emhyr Subramanian - Davidson Academy of Nevada (Reno)

“It is an honor to congratulate these seniors for their outstanding achievements in academics, leadership and community service,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Not only have these outstanding students excelled throughout their high school years, but they also demonstrate the strength and resiliency that characterizes the Class of 2020.”

This week, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the 56th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars recognized for accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.
“It is my privilege to congratulate the Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 as these exemplary young people have excelled inside and outside of the classroom,” said Secretary DeVos. “While they are facing unprecedented challenges as they graduate from high school into a world that looks much different than it did just a few months ago, their determination, resilience and commitment to excellence will serve them well as they pursue their next steps.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars evaluates scholars based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts as well as their community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,300 candidates qualified for the 2020 awards based on their performance on the SAT and ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers and partner organizations.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 7,600 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.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2020 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer as public health circumstances permit. A complete list of 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at: http://www.ed.gov/psp.