Four local seniors just cleared a national cut that only 627 students reached this year.
The 4 Howard Co. students named U.S. Presidential Scholars Program semifinalists now sit one step from one of America’s highest honors for graduating high schoolers.
For families across the county, that is real proof these classrooms compete at the very top.
| KEY TAKEAWAYS Four Howard County Public School System seniors made the 2026 semifinalist list.They are among 627 semifinalists nationwide, and up to 161 will be named U.S. Presidential Scholars.The U.S. Department of Education announces the final scholars later this year. |
Who are the four Howard County semifinalists?
4 Howard Co. Students confirmed all four names through official Howard County Public School System and federal listings.
Three were picked in the general academic track, and one in career and technical education (CTE).
| Student | School | Component |
| Nikhil R. Maddirala | Marriotts Ridge High School | Academic (General) |
| Advik Rai | River Hill High School | Academic (General) |
| Chelsea I. Sun | Atholton High School | Career & Technical Education |
| Jayen A. Tolia | Reservoir High School | Academic (General) |
How does Howard County compare across Maryland?
Howard County tied for the second-largest group in the state, behind only Montgomery County.
In total, 14 Maryland students made the list, and the Maryland State Department of Education says they span five public systems plus one private school.
| School System | Semifinalists |
| Montgomery County Public Schools | 6 |
| Howard County Public School System | 4 |
| Anne Arundel County Public Schools | 1 |
| Calvert County Public Schools | 1 |
| Washington County Public Schools | 1 |
| Georgetown Preparatory School (private) | 1 |
| Maryland total | 14 |
What happens next for the semifinalists?
Being a semifinalist is a strong signal, but it is not the finish line.
The Commission on Presidential Scholars still reviews each file before the final list, and you can read the full selection process on the federal site.
Up to 161 names will be confirmed, with a medallion event tied to the National Recognition Program.
| Stage | Timing (2026) |
| Candidates invited to apply | January |
| Applications due | February |
| Semifinalists announced | May |
| Final scholars named (up to 161) | Later in 2026 |
| National Recognition Program & medallion | 2026 |
Why does this honor carry weight?
The program has run since 1964, and it stays one of the hardest student lists to crack.
4 Howard Co. Students reported by WTOP, the state superintendent praised the recognition and wished the seniors well in the final round.
Our read is simple: a county placing four students at this level is competing with the country’s best.
| Detail | Figure |
| Established | 1964 |
| 2026 semifinalists nationwide | 627 |
| Scholars named each year | Up to 161 |
| Judged on | Academics, arts, CTE, leadership, service |
| Selected by | Commission on Presidential Scholars |
4 Howard Co. Students: Presidential Scholar Semifinalists
The 4 Howard Co. students named U.S. Presidential Scholars Program semifinalists now sit one step from one of America’s highest honors for graduating high schoolers.https://t.co/4mMTGMSUxa
— Atholton News (@atholtonnews55) June 3, 2026More From Atholton News
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Maryland State Department of Education, Howard County Public School System, and WTOP News.
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