Two Harmony Public Schools Seniors Named 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidates

HOUSTON — Two Harmony Public Schools seniors have been named 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates, placing them among the top graduating students in the nation.

Elisha Autor of Harmony School of Advancement–Houston and Nilgun Duman of Harmony School of Innovation–Sugar Land in Richmond earned the distinction as part of the highly competitive U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. They are among more than 5,000 candidates selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2026.

Both students were recognized as candidates in the career and technical education (CTE) category, which honors students who demonstrate exceptional ability and accomplishment in CTE fields.

Established in 1964 by executive order of the president, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was created to recognize the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to their schools and communities. The program expanded in 1979 to include students with exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts, and in 2015, it was expanded again to recognize excellence in career and technical education.

Each year, up to 161 students are ultimately named U.S. Presidential Scholars, representing the highest levels of academic excellence nationwide. In the coming months, a distinguished panel of educators will review submissions and select approximately 600 semifinalists. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by the president, will then select the finalists. The U.S. Department of Education is expected to announce the scholars this summer.

Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system serving PreK–12 students across more than 60 campuses in 23 cities, including Greater Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony emphasizes STEM education, character development, project-based learning and college readiness to prepare students for success in college, careers and life.

Autor and Duman’s recognition as Presidential Scholar candidates reflects both their individual achievements and Harmony’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and career-focused education.