Wiles, Willis, and Zimmerman Named 2025 Presidential Scholars Candidates
Three homeschoolers are among 178 students from across the State of Tennessee, who were named in January 2025 as candidates for the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Gabriel R Wiles, an independent home school student from Sparta; Jack L. Willis, a HomeLife Academy student from Nashville; and McKinley T. Zimmerman, a HomeLife Academy student from Franklin are being considered along with hundreds of other home school, public school, and private school students from across the country to be officially named one of the up to 161 Presidential Scholars.
In 1964, the Presidential Scholars Program was established by an executive order of President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize high school seniors for their academic achievement, leadership, and their commitment to their community. The United States Department of Education considers students in each state who scored high on the ACT or SAT for nomination. The Presidential Scholars Program is by invitation only, so all high achievers are not guaranteed to be nominated. Although not a scholarship program, the recognition and prestige that comes with being named a Presidential Scholar is reason enough for students to want to be awarded the Presidential medallion. Nominated students have until Wednesday, February 26, 2025*, to submit their application to be considered as a semi-finalist in April. The list of the 2025 Presidential Scholars will be published in May.
The window for ACT or SAT scores that were considered for the nomination process were from tests taken from August 2021 through October 2024. If a nominated student is registered as an independent home school student, either their local education agency (LEA), or a parent/guardian may complete the Secondary School Report (SSR) form in the capacity of a school official and not a parent. If a student is registered with an umbrella school or an accredited online (private) school, they should check with their school for guidance.
*The application for the nominated 2025 Presidential Scholars closes on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT). Application requirements are strict and must be followed completely. Failure to follow the application instructions can lead to ineligibility.
In the past, Presidential Scholar recipients received an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. and were presented with a medallion at a special ceremony sponsored by the White House. Now, all Presidential Scholars are recognized during an online National Recognition Program.
See the list of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, which includes a home school student from New Hampshire.
Learn more about the Presidential Scholars Program.
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