STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: WHS Senior Katherine Hao Named Semi-Finalist In U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Below is a press release shared by Wilmington Public Schools:

WILMINGTON, MA — Katherine Hao, a graduating senior at Wilmington High School, has been named one of 621 semifinalists nationwide in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Katherine Hao is an exceptional and dedicated student who has consistently pursued the most challenging coursework, particularly excelling in math, science, and the visual arts. Her academic excellence has earned her numerous honors, including National Honor Society induction, book awards, and WHS academic excellence awards across multiple disciplines. Beyond the classroom, Katherine thrives on applying her knowledge through hands-on experiences—she has spent the past two summers conducting DNA barcoding and researching the effects of urban stress on green spaces. Her passion for environmental advocacy is equally strong, as demonstrated by her leadership in school-wide sustainability campaigns.

Katherine’s leadership and enthusiasm extend throughout the Wilmington High School community. She has served as Class President for four consecutive years and taken on key roles in Student Council, Environmental Club, and the Yearbook, among others. While balancing a demanding academic schedule, part-time work, and a wide array of extracurricular and volunteer activities, she also finds time to pursue her creative and personal interests such as piano, hiking, and photography. Katherine will attend Mount Holyoke College in the fall, where she plans to double major in Biological Sciences and Astronomy, with aspirations of earning a PhD in Astrobiology.

The semifinalists were selected from over 6,000 candidates who were previously selected at the state level. Katherine was 1 of 13 students selected by Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as the U.S. Presidential Scholar nominees from MA. Of the 13 MA selections, only 4 were public high school students; 3 were Career and Technical Education selections and 6 were private tuition or exam-based admission high schools.

Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 61st year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas-academic and artistic success, accomplishment in career and technical fields, leadership, strong character and involvement in school and the community.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and service to school and community. It was expanded in 1979 to recognize students demonstrating exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was expanded once again to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical fields. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. Each year Scholars are presented with a Presidential Scholars Medallion.

A distinguished panel of educators have reviewed these submissions and selected the 621 semifinalists. In the coming months, we will complete final selection of the high school seniors who will be named as the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, and the names of those students will be announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, parents and students can e-mail PSP@scholarshipamerica.org.