Two Blue Valley students named U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalists

Two exceptional Blue Valley seniors, Kevin Li and Soumya Takalkar, have earned notable recognition as semifinalists in a prestigious national program. Li and Takalkar are among seven other Kansas students named semifinalists for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars program. 

 

The U.S. Presidential Scholars program recognizes outstanding high school seniors for their academic success, artistic excellence, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. 

 

The program, established in 1964, honors the most accomplished high school students nationwide. Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars, representing one of the highest honors for high school students. Li and Takalkar will now be eligible to be named U.S. Presidential Scholars in May. 

 

This recognition underscores the exceptional talent and dedication within our school district, as our students continue to excel and make their mark on a national stage.

 

Earlier this year, 38 Blue Valley seniors were nominated for this highly competitive program, with Li and Takalkar advancing as semifinalists*:

 

  • Blue Valley High: Carter Hagen, Noor Haideri, David Jercha, Edward Jiang, Nikhil Maddipoti, Arden Peterson, Suryabalan Rangaraj, Nickan Safi, Alan Wang

  • Blue Valley North: Suditi Challa, Gabriel Decker, Caleb Deng, Aiden Juhl, Miles Kim, Molly McCartan, Edward Mu, Anna Pearson, Rhea Sadagopan, Quinten Schafer, Jaiden Steven, 

  • Blue Valley Northwest: Shreyas Krishnan, Kevin Li*, Samuel Waller, Megan Wang, 

  • Blue Valley Southwest: Reese Burgener, Kamron Jafari, Harvin Sandhu

  • Blue Valley West: Sadiya Abid, Mallikarjuna Chalasani, McKenzie Glover, Kenneth Halls, Leena Iyengar, Dhiren Narne, Eric Seo, Soumya Takalkar*, Avery Vogel, Cheryl Wang, Rebecca Xue