RHS Class of 2025 Graduate Andrew Chun named U.S. Presidential Scholar

Rye High School’s Andrew Chun (RHS Class of 2025, and currently a physics student at Harvard University) has been named a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar.  On September 26,  U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the names of the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school graduates who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community.

Of the approximately 3.9 million students who graduated from high school last year, more than 6,400 qualified for the 2025 awards based on outstanding performance on the SAT or ACT exam or by nomination from chief state school officers and partner recognition organizations. The applicants then went through an application process that included demonstration of academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

The applicants were narrowed to 161 winners: one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at large, 20 scholars in the arts, and 20 scholars in career and technical education. The winners receive a congratulatory letter from the President and the Secretary of Education and a Presidential Medallion.

Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher.  Andrew chose Rye High School chemistry teacher Sally Mitchell. She will receive a personal letter from the Secretary of Education. Sally said of Andrew, “Academically, I can honestly say that Andrew is one of the most intelligent and intellectual students I have ever taught.”

The Presidential Scholars Program was created in the 1960s by President Lyndon B. Johnson as a way to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors. Since 1964, the program has honored over 8,600 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was 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.

Rye High School’s most recent Presidential Scholar was Sean Yu, a 2022 Presidential Scholar in the Arts.

A complete list of the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available here.

Congratulations to Andrew on this extremely prestigious recognition!