Moorehead candidate for scholars program

Trae Moorehead, a graduating senior at Moore County High School, has been named one of over 5,000 candidates in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2025.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is among the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected based on their superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Lyndon B. Johnson’s Executive Order to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership, and service to school and community. In 1979, it was expanded to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded again to recognize students demonstrating ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields.

Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth.

A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored each June for their accomplishments during the online National Recognition Program. To commemorate their achievement, they are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion.