Seven members of the FFA have been recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the most prestigious accolades for high school students, honoring their achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education.
Among the 3.7 million students anticipated to graduate from high school this year, over 5,700 were candidates for the 2024 award, with only 161 ultimately receiving this distinguished honor.
The FFA members named as scholars are:
- Lynn Dyber of Higginsville, Missouri, Lafayette County C-1 High School, Higginsville FFA
- Teagan Erbele of Lehr, North Dakota, Napoleon High School, Napoleon FFA
- Faith Genzilinger of Winfred, South Dakota, Howard High School, Howard FFA
- Lexi J. Molnar of Centerville, Washington, Goldendale High School, Goldendale FFA
- Ezra Linnan of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Sevastopol High School, Sevastopol FFA
- Landis Zebroski of Sheridan, Wyoming, Sheridan High School, John B. Kendrick Sheridan FFA
- Cy Pavlov of Trumbull, Connecticut, Trumbull High School, Trumbull Regional FFA
Established in 1964 by an executive order from President Lyndon B. Johnson, the U.S. Presidential Scholars program honors the nation’s most distinguished high school seniors. In 2015, it was expanded to include students excelling in career and technical education.
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars comprise two students from each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, as well as from U.S. families living abroad, and 15 students selected at large. Additionally, there are 20 scholars recognized for the arts and 20 for career and technical education.
The program is overseen by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and administered by staff from the U.S. Department of Education. Each year, the commission selects scholars based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations, transcripts, and evidence of community service and leadership.
“We are extremely proud of this accomplishment for these seven FFA members,” said National FFA CEO Scott Stump. “We know that our members are current and future leaders, and this demonstrates the students’ academic excellence while making a positive difference in their schools and communities. These members have exceeded expectations and live out the organization’s mission and vision daily. We know the future is in good hands.”
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,200 of the nation’s top-performing students since its inception. The Class of 2024 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.