Dec. 9, 2024
LPS, NU recognize Presidential Scholars from Lincoln high schools
Contact: Cara Pesek carapesek@nebraska.edu 402-570-1585 (mobile)
The University of Nebraska and Lincoln Public Schools held an event Monday evening to recognize five students from Lincoln who each scored a perfect 36 on the ACT.
During the event, which took place at the Lincoln Public Schools Steve Joel District Leadership District Center, 5905 O St., each student was formally recognized as qualifying for the university’s Presidential Scholarshttps://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars program. Launched in February of 2024, the Presidential Scholars program provides a full-ride academic and living scholarship, plus a $5,000 annual stipend, to each Nebraska high school graduate who receives a perfect 36 on the ACT and attends college at any one of the University of Nebraska campuses. The program aims to keep top Nebraska students in Nebraska, as well as to challenge them with wide-ranging and valuable opportunities during their time at the university.
In the fall of 2024, the university welcomed 17 students in its initial Presidential Scholar cohort. In the fall of 2025, the university will expand the programhttps://nebraska.edu/news-and-events/news/2024/11/university-of-nebraska-to-expand-presidential-scholars-program to up to 50 top Nebraska scholars, including both students with perfect ACT scores and other top scorers.
“These coming years will be full of transformational experiences for you,” NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. told the students during the event. “You will meet people who will become your lifelong friends. You will be meet amazing role models who will transform your life…The University of Nebraska is here to guide that journey.”
Students recognized at the event are:
* Nicholas Li, Lincoln East * Sarah Cai, Lincoln East * Brayden Thelander, Lincoln Northeast * Timofei Prakapchuk, Lincoln Northwest * Ripley Becker, Lincoln Southwest
Brayden Thelander said he was planning to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Emerging Media Arts program. Thelander, who is interested in game development, said he couldn’t find any other programs quite like it. The scholarship support for Presidential Scholars made the decision an easy one.
“It’s also right here,” he said. “It’s home. I don’t want to leave this place.”
LPS Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman reminded students that their academic achievements so far are just the beginning.
“Scholars, as you move forward, know that this achievement is not just a reflection of what you’ve done, but a glimpse of what you can do,” Dr. Gausman said. “You have demonstrated the power of focus, determination, and intellectual curiosity. Your success reminds us all of the incredible potential that lies within each of us when we set high goals and commit to pursuing them with purpose.”
The event was also attended by Dr. Brian Maher, Nebraska Commissioner of Education; Dr. Mike Baumgartner, Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education; NU and LPS administrators; members of the NU Board of Regents; and family and friends of the recognized students.
An initiative between NU and the state of Nebraska, the Presidential Scholars program is currently accepting applications from Nebraska students with ACT scores between 32 and 35. Including the students with perfect ACT scores, a total of 50 students will be accepted into the fall 2025 cohort.
For more information or application materials, visit: https://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars.