Washington students named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars

State of teaching in Washington state

Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal talks to Good Day Seattle about our schools and Teacher Appreciation Week.

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Five high school seniors from Washington state are among dozens of students across the county that have been named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars.

The honor recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional talent in career and technical education (CTE) fields, in the visual, creative, and performing arts, or on academic assessments.

Up to 161 students are selected each year. Two are picked from each state, and the recognition is also extended to 15 scholars chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in CTE fields.

On Thursday, the department said five of those students were from Washington:

Ashwin Joshi, Southridge High School, Kennewick School District
Lexi J. Molnar, Goldendale High School, Goldendale School District (Presidential Scholar in CTE)
Siddhartha Dylan Pant, Lakes High School, Clover Park School District (Presidential Scholar in CTE)
Jacob J. Scrupps, Odessa High School, Odessa School District (Presidential Scholar in CTE)
Kosha Upadhyay, Bellevue Senior High School, Bellevue School District

"While most states had three scholars earn the recognition, Washington has five from across our diverse state––and we couldn't be prouder," said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. "Washington’s students have worked hard and their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and service speak for themselves. I look forward to their success in the careers and pathways that they choose."

Since 1964, the U.S. Department of Education has picked high school seniors from across the country for recognition as U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.