3 HCPSS Students Named 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Three Howard County Public School System students have been named semifinalists in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Lamia Ayaz (Howard High School), William J. Gao (Centennial High School) and Archana Ponnada (Marriotts Ridge High School) are three of the 625 high schools seniors nationwide—and only 13 in Maryland—to be selected for the honor, which recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts, as well as in career and technical education fields.

Students have the opportunity to become Presidential Scholars based on achievement in general academics, the arts or career and technical education. Ayaz, who also serves as the Howard County Board of Education Student Member, and Gao are semifinalists in the general Presidential Scholars program. Ponnada was named a semifinalist for U.S Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education.

Application is by invitation only. Each year, up to 161 students are selected to be U.S. Presidential Scholars. The U.S. Department of Education will announce finalists in mid-May.