Boise, ID -- 03/13/2026 -- Boise School District is proud to announce that 23 students from Boise schools have been selected as candidates for the prestigious
U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, the highest number of candidates from any school district in Idaho.
In total, 82 students from across Idaho were selected as candidates this year. Boise School District students represent 28% of all Idaho candidates, an extraordinary accomplishment considering the district enrolls approximately 7% of the state’s public school students.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964 by executive order of the President, honors some of the nation’s most accomplished graduating high school seniors. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students with exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts, and again in 2015 to include students who demonstrate excellence in career and technical education fields.
Each year, thousands of students across the country are identified as candidates based on outstanding academic achievement or nominations through partner programs. Candidates invited to continue in the process submit additional materials—including essays, transcripts, and school reports—and are evaluated on their academic achievement, leadership, service, personal characteristics, and other accomplishments. From this group, up to 161 students nationwide are ultimately named U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school seniors.
“We are incredibly proud of these students and the dedication they have shown throughout their academic journeys,” said Boise School District Superintendent Lisa Roberts. “Being recognized as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program reflects not only their commitment to learning and leadership, but also the encouragement and support they have received from their teachers, families, and school communities. This recognition highlights the many ways Boise School District students pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions in and beyond the classroom.”
The Boise School District students selected as 2026 candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program include: