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2022 U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists and Candidates

May 2022

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the president, to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Annually, almost 4,000 students are selected as candidates for the award. Application is by invitation only; therefore, students may not apply individually to the program, nor may their schools nominate them. 

Candidates must submit candidacy materials including essays, self-assessments, secondary school reports and transcripts and are evaluated on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership and service activities, as well as an analysis of their essay. From candidate submissions, approximately 500 semifinalists are chosen by an independent, national committee of educators convened by the Commission on Presidential Scholars. Semifinalists are identified for each state/jurisdiction by the review committee. The number of semifinalists identified per state/jurisdiction is based on a proportionate number of test takers for that state.

Semifinalists were announced by the U.S. Department of Education in April 2022. Six Plano ISD students were nominated as candidates, and four Plano ISD candidates have been selected as Texas semifinalists. 

Congratulations to this elite group of seniors:

U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists

  • Harshal V. Bharatia, Plano Senior High School 
  • Jessica Ding, Plano West Senior High School 
  • Angelina C. Ehara, Plano West Senior High School 
  • Ishaan P. Javali, Plano East Senior High School 

U.S. Presidential Scholar Finalist Candidates

  • Harshal V. Bharatia, Plano Senior High School 
  • Jessica Ding, Plano West Senior High School 
  • Angelina C. Ehara, Plano West Senior High School 
  • Ishaan P. Javali, Plano East Senior High School 
  • Shriya D. Reddy, Plano West Senior High School 
  • Charles H. St. John, Plano Senior High School 

More information about the Presidential Scholars Program

The Presidential Scholars Program is a recognition program; no scholarship is given. To be eligible for the program, candidates must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent U.S. residents. More information.