North Shore Students Named as “US Presidential Scholars” Semifinalists

By Leader Staff

Over a dozen Long Island high school students – including nine from local north shore high schools - have been named as 2025 semifinalists in the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The Program is run by the U.S. Department of Education. This honor recognizes some of the nation's most distinguished high school seniors for their academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

Some of the area students named as Semifinalists are:

Jeremy Ratner – Portledge School

Johnathan Ahdout, Great Neck – Great Neck North High School

Vishrut S. Goyal, Jericho - Jericho High School

Milan Lustig, Cold Spring Harbor - Cold Spring Harbor High School

Agastya Mittal, Jericho - Jericho High School

Grace Punzalan, Manhasset - Manhasset High School

Sarah Sun, New Hyde Park - Great Neck South High School

Erin Wong, Great Neck - Great Neck South High School

Yujin Wu, Great Neck - Great Neck South High School

“Jeremy’s achievement places him among an elite group of students,” stated a press release from the Portledge School about their student Jeremy Ratner.

The US Presidential Scholars Program uses a Student’s SAT or ACT college admission test scores to first determine the original group called “Candidates.” They are further evaluated to be named as “Semifinalists.”

Candidates are notified of eligibility, and - if interested in being considered for the scholarship - must submit an essay, self-assessments, high school reports, and transcripts. The candidates are then evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, and an analysis of their essay.

The 2025 Semifinalists were selected from over 6,000 Candidates.

Being named a Semifinalist is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected based on their accomplishments in many areas—academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character and involvement in school and the community.

The US Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson through an Executive Order of President Lyndon Johnson.

From the Semifinalists, there are 161 students chosen to become US Presidential Scholars. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars makes the final selection, with the names of the 161 Presidential Scholars to be announced by US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.