MADISON – Maintaining a record of academic excellence, Madison City Schools is among the school districts in Alabama with the most U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists.

Twelve of Alabama’s 70 semifinalists, or 17 percent, attend school in Madison. Seven of the semifinalists are from Bob Jones High School, while James Clemens High School has five students who qualified as a U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalist.

These Madison students’ achievement ranks statewide across 137 public school districts and private schools.

The semifinalists from Bob Jones are Thais R. Arslanbekov, Neha S. Chopade, Puja S. Chopade, Kennedy G. Gore, Justin Pan J. Pan, Ashwin Prabhakar and Lilian Qu.

James Clemens students who are U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists include Yuti Das, Joshua Wang, Max A. Wyche, Jeremiah J. Yang and Jerry L. Zheng.

MCS administrators also congratulated teachers in the feeder schools to Bob Jones and James Clemens, including elementary and middle school campuses, for mentoring the semifinalist students.

In 1964, an Executive Order from the president established the U.S. Presidential Scholar program to recognize the most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas, including academic success, leadership and service to school and community. The program is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education.

In 1979, the U.S. Presidential Scholar program expanded to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability in career and technical fields. (Wikipedia.org)

Later in 2023, officials will announce 161 finalists nationwide.