Two Wisconsin Students Named 2026 Presidential Scholars
Two Wisconsin seniors received national honors from the U.S. Department of Education for their academic and community work.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The U.S. Department of Education honored two Wisconsin high school seniors as 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars. These students were selected from a national pool of more than 6,700 candidates based on their academic and community achievements.
Why it matters
Recognition as a Presidential Scholar highlights exceptional performance in academics, arts, or technical education, showcasing the caliber of local students within the state's school system. This national honor tracks student achievement across the country to celebrate academic excellence.
The program selected 161 students nationwide out of 6,700 qualified candidates. The Wisconsin honorees include Joel Janssen of Delavan-Darien High School and Elizabeth Matz of Onalaska High School.
The players
U.S. Department of Education
The federal agency that oversees national education policy and administers the Presidential Scholars program.
White House Commission on Presidential Scholars
The body responsible for selecting high school honorees based on academic, artistic, and technical achievement.
Joel Janssen
A 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholar and senior at Delavan-Darien High School.
Elizabeth Matz
A 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholar and senior at Onalaska High School.
The details
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars evaluates candidates using a broad range of criteria including standardized test performance, artistic and technical talent, and community leadership. Students also submit essays and educator recommendations as part of the rigorous selection process. The program reflects a multi-decade effort to recognize student potential across diverse fields of study.
Timeline
1964: President Johnson established the program by executive order.
1979: The program expanded to recognize students in the arts.
2015: The program expanded to recognize career and technical education students.
2026: Two Wisconsin students were named as U.S. Presidential Scholars.
The Home Front
The U.S. Presidential Scholars program has grown from its 1964 roots to include arts and technical education categories. This evolution tracks a broader shift in education standards that emphasizes diverse student talents beyond traditional test scores.
Families with high school students should review the program criteria early to understand the academic and community involvement benchmarks required for consideration. Checking these requirements annually can help students plan their extracurricular and academic goals effectively.
The takeaway
The Presidential Scholars program celebrates well-rounded achievement across academics, arts, and technical skills. Parents can support their students by fostering community leadership and consistent academic progress throughout their high school years.
Further reading
For more information on local programs, visit the Secondary Education resource page.
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