Four Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been named as 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars by U. S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. They are part of a group of 161 students from around the country—and four of five Virginians—selected for the honor.

The students are:

• Emma Cox, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
• Mira Iris Kim, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
• Teja Koduru, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
• Mayra Rios, Madison High School.

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Of the students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,000 candidates qualified for the 2023 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists' nationwide YoungArts™ competition.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the Arts and 20 Scholars in Career and Technical Education.

###