Four Georgia students recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholars

Four Georgia class of 2024 students have been recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholars, a prestigious honor for the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Han Shaun Lee of Johns Creek High School of Fulton County Schools, Gordon E. Lichtstein of Decatur High School of City Schools of Decatur, Vineeth Sendilraj of Lambert High School of Forsyth County Schools, and Joanna Yian Xiao of Richmond Hill High School of Bryan County Schools received the recognition. Lee and Sendilraj were recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education and are among just 20 CTE Presidential Scholars recognized nationally in 2024.

“I am incredibly proud of Han, Gordon, Vineeth, and Joanna for their outstanding achievements,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “They have demonstrated exceptional dedication and excellence in their academic and personal pursuits, representing the very best of Georgia. I look forward to seeing the future successes of these remarkable students and wish them the best in their endeavors.”

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. Students are recognized for general academic achievement, exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts, or ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are recognized as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

More than 5,700 students qualified for the 60th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, with only 161 high school seniors recognized for their accomplishments. As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts, and 20 scholars in career and technical education. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on academic success, excellence in the arts, and technical education through essays, school evaluations, transcripts, and a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.

Click here for the complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars.