7 School District Five students named candidates in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

For Immediate Release – February 25, 2026

7 School District Five students named candidates in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

IRMO – Seven Lexington-Richland School District Five seniors have been nominated for one of the highest honors for the graduating class of 2026.

Anthony Coniglio (Spring Hill High), Leo Ha (Dutch Fork High), Athena Kale (Chapin High), Dylan Reynolds (Chapin High), Hunter Taylor (Dutch Fork High), Jayden Won (Dutch Fork High), and Elizabeth Yong (Chapin High) have been named candidates in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

More than 4,000 candidates were selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

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 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen annually. U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program each June and to commemorate their achievement, the Scholars are also awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.  

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the president, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the semifinalists in the spring and the scholars in the summer.

“We are incredibly proud of these seven outstanding students for being named candidates in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program,” said School District Five Chief of Academics Tina McCaskill. “This prestigious recognition reflects not only their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service, but also the dedication of our teachers, school leaders, and families who support them every day. Their achievement exemplifies the high standards and culture of excellence we strive to foster throughout Lexington-Richland School District Five. We look forward to seeing all they will continue to accomplish.”

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