Wisconsin Students Named Among 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars For 2023

WISCONSIN — Three students from Wisconsin were recently named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of the highest high school awards handed out by the U.S. Department of Education.

The recognitions come for each student's achievements in academics, arts, career, and technical education, a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction said. Just 161 students nationwide were selected for the award out of over 5,000 qualifying, the DPI said.

“It is an incredible honor to achieve this distinction, and I am proud to extend my congratulations to these Wisconsin students, along with their families and the amazing educators who have supported them,” said State Superintendent Jill Underly in a news release. “Wisconsin’s three U.S. Presidential Scholars exemplify the leadership we need in our state, and I look forward to what they do next.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects each winner based on school evaluations, essays, transcripts, community service, leadership, commitment to high ideals and more, the DPI said.

The winners from Wisconsin and the rest of their Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized this summer in an online program, the DPI said.

The winners from Wisconsin included:

• Ananya Bhatt, Brookfield Central High School.
• Ethan Mark Zentner, Nicolet High School.
• Saskatoon Robert Fuzz Damm, Medford Area Senior High School.