4 Twin Cities Metro Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholars

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Four Minnesota students are among the 161 recent high school graduates nationwide honored as 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars, the Minnesota Department of Education announced Friday.

The U.S. Department of Education named this year's class, the program's 62nd, earlier this fall. The Minnesota honorees are:

• Angie Huang of Woodbury, East Ridge High School
• Benjamin Lu of Shoreview, Mounds View High School
• Aaratrika Mondal of Maple Grove, Wayzata High School
• Emma Yu of Ham Lake, Andover High School

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The honor recognizes students for achievement in academics, the arts, and career and technical education.

"Congratulations to Angie, Benjamin, Aaratrika and Emma," Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett said in a statement. "Your commitment to education, leadership and community service are an example for all to follow."

Making the list is no small feat. About 3.9 million students finished high school this year, and just over 6,700 of them became candidates for the 2026 award, either by scoring exceptionally well on the SAT or ACT or by being nominated by a chief state school officer or a partner recognition group, according to the state.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has recognized more than 8,600 of the country's highest-achieving students since it began in 1964.