Three Alaska high school seniors are among 161 named 2026 US Presidential Scholars

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars has named three Alaska students 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars, an honor the state education department calls one of the nation's highest for high school seniors.

They are Sara Elizabeth DeVolld of Soldotna, Liam B. Wade of North Pole and Michelle E. Xu of Anchorage, the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development announced Tuesday.

The three are among 161 scholars nationwide, chosen from more than 6,700 candidates out of 3.9 million graduating seniors, the U.S. Department of Education said when it announced the class Oct. 27.

DeVolld was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, according to the federal list of 2026 scholars, one of 20 arts scholars in the country.

"We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in Alaska and beyond," said Education Commissioner Deena Bishop. The state department said scholars are recognized for academic achievement, leadership, service, character and contributions to their schools and communities.

Students can't apply directly. Each year the program, which began in 1964, identifies about 4,000 candidates for its general category through SAT and ACT scores, according to its own description, and state school chiefs and partner organizations can nominate more. Review committees weigh academic excellence, artistic and technical talent, essays, school recommendations, leadership and community service.

The class includes one young man and one young woman from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. families living abroad, plus 15 at-large, 20 arts and 20 career and technical education scholars.

DeVolld, Wade and Xu were among eight Alaska students on a semifinalist list released May 22.