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Awards and Recognition

Presidential Scholars 

the 2025 Presidential Scholars pose for a group photo in the Vermont Statehouse on January 27, 2025The Vermont Agency of Education announced Vermont’s Presidential Scholar recipients and honorable mentions for the 2024–2025 school year in a recognition ceremony at the Vermont State House on January 27, 2025.

Presidential scholars are recognized in three categories: general, arts, and career technical education. Students are selected based on nominations from teachers and administrators, and in Vermont’s spirit of student agency, students are also able to nominate themselves.

"The 2025 class of Presidential Scholars embodies what makes Vermont’s education system special," said Secretary of Education, Zoie Saunders. "These students are leaders in their schools, role models for their peers, and important members of their communities. I’m thrilled to congratulate these exceptional students and their families on this exciting achievement.

Vermont's 2025 Presidential Scholars exemplify exceptional achievements across academic excellence, community service, and leadership roles.

Watch the short video about the ceremony.

Presidential Scholars in the Arts Awardees

  • Cora Chivington (Green Mountain Technology and Career Center)
  • Hailey Messier (Essex High School)
  • Sage Wyndorf (Burlington Technical Center)

Presidential Scholars in the Arts Honorable Mentions

  • Gareth Fox (Poultney High School)
  • Danika Orava (Long Trail School)
  • Silas Quinn (Middlebury Union High School)
  • Lily Root (Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center)
  • Emma Southworth (Burr and Burton Academy)

Presidential Scholars in Career Technical Education Awardees

  • Isabella Benson (Burlington Technical Center – Health Sciences Academy)
  • Brayden Carton (Green Mountain Technology and Career Center – Engineering)
  • Maggi Ellsworth (River Bend Career and Technical Center – Health Science Technology)
  • Brianne Gallas (Burlington Technical Center – Health Sciences Academy)
  • Julia Morton (Center for Technology, Essex – Dental Assisting 2)

Presidential Scholars in Career Technical Education Honorable Mentions

  • Camryn Benoit (Cold Hollow Career Center – Medical Careers)
  • Emma St. Pierre (Cold Hollow Career Center – Medical Careers)

Presidential Scholars in General Education Awardees

  • Richie Amerson (Burlington High School)
  • Esabella Amoah (South Burlington High School)
  • Mikayla Chagnon (Richford High School)
  • Vincy Chan (Burr and Burton Academy)
  • Elizabeth Cunningham (Rice Memorial High School)
  • Katherine Duling (Bellows Free Academy - Fairfax)
  • Grey Fearon (Vergennes Union High School)
  • Ella Ferrone (Bellows Free Academy - Fairfax)
  • Nick Heinrich (Burke Mountain Academy)
  • Anna Howard (Bellows Free Academy - Fairfax)
  • Jonah Hutchin (Home Study)
  • Jackson Kitts (Burr and Burton Academy)
  • Amelia Partlow (Missisquoi Valley Union High School)
  • Finn Reuter (Home Study)
  • Julia Todd (South Burlington High School)
  • Jing Williams (Vergennes Union High School)

About the Presidential Scholars Program 

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, through an executive order by President Johnson, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

Vermont scholars for the general and CTE categories will be invited to apply to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which will announce its winners in the spring. Additional Vermont students are invited to apply by the U.S. Department of Education based on their SAT and/or ACT scores. Each year, up to 161 students are named as national Presidential Scholars — one of the highest national honors for high school students.