01/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2025 16:39
The University of Nebraska System and Kearney Public Schools recognized Kearney High School senior Drew Welch for achieving a perfect score on the ACT. The formal recognition took place during an event Wednesday afternoon at Kearney High School, 2702 W. 11th St., in Kearney.
During the event, Welch was recognized as qualifying for the university's Presidential Scholars program. Launched in February of 2024, the Presidential Scholars program provides a full-ride academic scholarship, plus a $5,000 annual stipend, to every high school senior who graduates from a Nebraska high school, receives a perfect 36 on the ACT and attends college at a University of Nebraska campus. The program aims to keep top Nebraska students in Nebraska, as well as to challenge them with wide-ranging and valuable opportunities during their time at the university.
In the fall of 2024, the university welcomed 17 students in its initial Presidential Scholar cohort. In the fall of 2025, the University will expand the program to up to 50 top Nebraska scholars, including both students with perfect ACT scores and other top scorers.
In the fall, Welch plans to join them, attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and majoring in biological systems engineering. Eventually, he plans to attend medical school.
Welch said he doesn't typically seek out the limelight, but he was humbled by Wednesday's ceremony, which was attended by his family, teachers, administrators from Kearney Public Schools and the University of Nebraska, and state and local officials. He worked hard throughout school and studied hard for the ACT. It felt good to reach his goal and to celebrate with those who were instrumental to his academic success, he said.
"I'm just extremely honored," Welch said.
Welch said he had looked at several universities, but so far, the University of Nebraska felt the most like home.
NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. said that Welch would have many opportunities - faculty mentors, high-level internships, and opportunities to work alongside other top students - as a University of Nebraska Presidential Scholar.
"There are any number of honors programs across other universities, said Dr. Gold. "I will tell you they are all different, but there are none that are better."
Among the goals of the program is to keep top students like Welch in Nebraska for college. Students who attend college in Nebraska are more likely to stay in Nebraska afterwards and to build their lives, careers and families here, contributing to a vibrant future for the state.
Kearney Public Schools Superintendent Jason Mundorf called Wednesday a "special day" for both Welch and for Kearney Public Schools. It was a celebration not just of Welch and his hard work, but also of his family, teachers, coaches and others who had supported and influenced him and countless other students along the way.
And he offered Welch a challenge for college and beyond.
"Drew, you've had an incredible performance so far," Mundorf said. "I ask you to use that mind to benefit you and your family, but also our world at large."
The Presidential Scholars program is currently accepting applications from Nebraska students with ACT scores between 32 and 35. Including the students with perfect ACT scores, a total of 50 students will be accepted into the fall 2025 cohort.
For more information or application materials, visit: https://nebraska.edu/presidential-scholars.
The University of Nebraska is the state's only public university system, made up of four campuses - UNL, UNO, UNK and UNMC - each with a distinct role and mission. Together the campuses enroll nearly 50,000 students and employ 16,000 faculty and staff who serve the state, nation and world through education, research and outreach. For more information and news from the University of Nebraska, visit www.nebraska.edu/news.