Beverly High Students Nominated for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Beverly Hills High School students Miles Kottler and Alexandra Bakshian have been named nationally as part of only 5,000 candidates in the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors.

“An achievement of this magnitude is nothing short of outstanding,” BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy said. “We are so proud of both Miles and Alexandra for their dedication and hard work. They exemplify the definition of our BHUSD mission statement, ‘educational excellence.’”

Kottler and Bakshian were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year and were selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities.

Going forward, a panel of educators will review the candidates before selecting approximately 600 semifinalists in early April. The Commission on Presidential Scholars, made up of 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President, will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May. U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program each June.

Established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas.