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NC’s presidential scholars, the No. 1 best public high school in the country, and a trip to Japan

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Nihar Kummetha presents his research on a potential new medication for acid reflux in Japan. Mebane Rash/EdNC

The 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars — recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields — have been announced by the U.S. Department of Education.

Shout out to the three North Carolina students on the list:

Niche recently announced its 2026 Best Schools and Districts in America, and the North Carolina School of Science and Math was ranked No. 1 best public high school in America.

According to the website, “The mission of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, an innovative and collaborative leader in secondary STEM education, is to advance our state, nation, and world by creating opportunities for broad access to exemplary public education that fosters, challenges, inspires, and empowers students and communities to design their future.”

One of the presidential scholars, Kummetha, was also one of the students on a recent trip for scholars from North Carolina to Japan.

Look out for a guest appearance in Kyoto from Mark Dessauer, chief communications officer with DPI.

Since 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,600 of the nation’s top-performing students, according to a department press release. In 1979, the program was expanded to recognize students who demonstrate “exceptional talent” in the visual, literary, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in CTE fields.

“Two students from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad are selected as U.S. Presidential Scholars,” the Sept. 26 press release said. “The slate honored today includes an additional 15 scholars chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts, and 20 scholars in career and technical education.”

You can read more about the program on the department’s website.