KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Julia Wenzhu Ran of Kennett Square, a student at Unionville High School, has been named one of 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars for 2026, earning one of the nation’s highest academic distinctions for graduating high school seniors.
Ran is one of two Pennsylvania students selected for the federal recognition program, joining Andrew Z. Li of Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia.
The U.S. Department of Education selected the 161 scholars from a graduating class of approximately 3.9 million high school seniors nationwide. More than 6,700 students qualified for consideration based on SAT or ACT performance or nominations by chief state school officers.
The recognition places Ran among a small group of students selected for academic achievement, leadership, community service and other accomplishments.
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars evaluates candidates using academic records, essays, school recommendations and evidence of leadership and service. Artistic achievement and career and technical education accomplishments are also considered for designated categories of scholars.
The 2026 class includes students representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and American families living abroad. The selection also includes 15 at-large scholars, 20 students recognized for achievement in the arts and 20 recognized for career and technical education.
“These students represent the exceptional caliber of character and intellect that our nation’s future demands,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize graduating seniors for academic excellence. It expanded in 1979 to include artistic achievement and again in 2015 to recognize accomplishments in career and technical education.
Since its creation, the program has honored approximately 8,800 students nationwide.
Each member of the 2026 class will receive an engraved U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion recognizing their selection.
For Unionville High School, Ran’s selection brings national recognition to a Chester County student through a program that identifies a limited number of graduating seniors each year for exceptional achievement and service.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.