Bolles Class of 2026 valedictorian Aarav Gandhi ’26 has been named a semifinalist in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program with the U.S. Department of Education, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for high school students.

Gandhi is among 627 students selected from more than 6,500 candidates nationwide to advance to the next phase of consideration, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Reaching the semifinalist stage places Gandhi in a highly selective group of students whose achievements and dedication set them apart at the national level.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by executive order of the president to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars. Final selections will be made in the coming months, with the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars to be announced by the U.S. Secretary of Education. #BulldogProud