Three Hawai‘i high school seniors – two of them from Hawai‘i public schools – have been named as Presidential Scholars by the U.S. Department of Education, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.

Ahryanna P. McGuirk from Kalāheo High School and Maile-Lei Ji of Kealakehe High School were both named U.S. Presidential Scholars from Hawai‘i. This is the first year that two students from HIDOE schools have received the national distinction in the same graduating class.

It’s also the second time in two years that a Kealakehe High School senior received the award. Kea E. Kahoilua-Clebsch received the recognition in 2022.

“Maile-Lei represents our Kealakehe community very well, and our continued success demonstrates that superstar students like Maile-Lei are the standard of excellence that we hold all our students to,” said Kealakehe High School principal James Denight.

Michael X. Kostecki of ‘Iolani School was also named as a scholar.

McGuirk currently serves as the Board of Education student representative for this school year.

“(Ahryanna) has been a student leader at Kalāheo High School for the last four years. Her personal drive and excellence are evident in everything she does whether it was as a student athlete on the volleyball team, the Associated Students of Kalāheo Student Council President, or singing at the school's talent show,” said Kalāheo High School Principal James Rippard. “I am very proud of her and her hard work. We can't wait to see and hear about what she will do next."

“I’m so proud of Ahryanna and Maile-Lei for making Hawai‘i public school history," said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. "They both demonstrate academic excellence, proven leadership skills, a commitment to their communities and the ability to compete on a national level. They are proven examples of the Department’s mission to prepare students to be globally competitive and locally committed.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects a group of scholars annually from each state based on academic success, excellence in the arts and in technical education, through essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership. The Presidential Scholar recognizes high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, over 5,700 students 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 161 high school seniors selected for the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Presidential Scholars represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead.”

Since 1964, the program has honored over 8,200 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts and again in 2015 to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. 

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

A list of all the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars can be viewed here.