Two Alaska students named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars

In an announcement last week from the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), two students from Alaska students were named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education, including one from right here in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Samantha J. Holler, Mat-Su Career and Technical High School in Wasilla was among the 161 high school seniors receiving such an honor.

“Samantha's dedication to academic excellence and outstanding achievements have earned her this incredible honor, placing her among the top 161 high school seniors in the nation recognized for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields,” CTHS posted to social media on May 10, 2024.

Bentley D. Altman, Family Partnership Charter School, Anchorage, Alaska was the second Alaska senior named as a Presidential Scholar.

"Being named a 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar is an incredible honor, and we are immensely proud of Bentley D. Altman and Samantha J. Holler for achieving this prestigious recognition," said DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop. "Their dedication to academic excellence and outstanding achievements highlight the exceptional talents they possess. We celebrate their success and look forward to their continued contributions to our community and beyond."

Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,700 candidates qualified for the 2024 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.

The Presidential Scholars Program, created in 1964, has honored over 8,200 of the nation’s top-performing students. It was later expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts.

In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. 2024 is the program’s 60th anniversary.

The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.

A complete list of 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at www.ed.gov/psp