The state of Iowa has eight semifinalists for the prestigious 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars program. They are:
- Maxwell Aulwes **, Chariton - Chariton High School
- Jonathan Chen, Iowa City - West High School
- Alexandra Curtu ****, Iowa City - West High School
- Claire Gilbert, West Des Moines - Valley High School
- Kavya Kalathur, Bettendorf - Pleasant Valley Community High School
- Ayush Kalia, Marion - Linn-Mar High School
- Katrina M. Lombard**, Inwood - West Lyon High School
- Jacob Q. Stevens, Ames - Ames High School
* Semifinalist for U.S. Presidential Scholar in Arts
** Semifinalist for U.S Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education
*** Semifinalist for U.S. Presidential Scholar and U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts
**** Semifinalist for U.S. Presidential Scholar and U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education
From nearly 3.7 million graduating high school seniors from across the country, 5,345 students were identified as candidates in this program, and 620 semifinalists were selected. These semifinalists form the pool from which the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be chosen.
The 2022 U.S Presidential Scholars will be announced in May.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.
Visit the U.S. Department of Education website to learn more about the Presidential Scholars Program.
View complete list of 2022 Presidential Scholars semifinalists.