Recent graduate Pierce Crosby has been named one of just 10 semifinalists from Connecticut for the prestigious 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors.

Established in 1964 by executive order of the President, the program recognizes students for exceptional academic achievement, leadership, service, and scholarship.

Candidates for the honor are identified through outstanding SAT or ACT performance and nominations recognizing exceptional scholarship. Approximately 500 to 650 students nationwide advance to the semifinalist stage each year, with semifinalists selected by an independent national review committee.

In the coming weeks, the Commission on Presidential Scholars will select up to 161 students nationwide as U.S. Presidential Scholars. Those students will represent the highest level of distinction in the program and are expected to be announced later this year by the U.S. Department of Education.