Hauppauge HS Senior Named Nominee For 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Ayaan Shah, a Hauppauge High School student, is one of 25 New York state high school seniors to be nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program by the New York State Education Department, the Hauppauge School District announced.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the president, to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

"Ayaan is the true embodiment of what we aim for our students to be," Hauppauge High School Principal Joseph Wieckhorst said in a news release. "He is well-respected by his peers and his teachers, and I have no doubt he is going to make a major impact on our world. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments."

Shah is a full IB Diploma candidate and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has always taken and excelled in the high school’s most rigorous course load.

Shah founded the Science Bowl, where students compete in a science-based trivia event against other schools at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. He was also a math and reading tutor in the Hauppauge High School library for 15 hours each week in grades 10 and 11.

Shah was the treasurer of the class of 2025 in grades nine and 10, officer of "Quiz Bowl," starting in grade nine, president of Science Olympiad from grades six through 12 and a member of the coding club, tennis team and orchestra.

"Hauppauge High School’s Ayaan Shah reminds us of the dedication and drive that lead to excellence in academics, extracurricular pursuits and community service," New York state Sen. Monica R. Martinez said in a news release. "As a nominee for the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, Ayaan shows what it means to strive for the highest standards in all areas of student life. Ayaan’s successes are a testament to what’s possible when you pursue excellence in everything you do, and the Fourth Senatorial District couldn’t be prouder of this achievement."

In April, the Commission on Presidential Scholars will evaluate the semifinalists and select up to 161 scholars. These scholars are recognized during an online National Recognition Program and receive the Presidential Scholars medallion in June.