Governor Lamont and Commissioner Russell-Tucker Congratulate Two Connecticut Students Named 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars

Students from Farmington and Cheshire Receive One of the Nation's Highest Honors for High School Seniors

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker are congratulating two Connecticut students who have been named 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars in recognition of their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. The recognition is one of the nation's highest honors for graduating high school seniors.

The honorees are:

• Vedant Rakesh Kansara (Unionville) of Farmington High School
• Suchita Srinivasan (Cheshire) of Cheshire High School

"Connecticut is proud to celebrate Vedant and Suchita for earning one of the nation's highest honors for high school students," Governor Lamont said. "Their accomplishments reflect the talent, dedication, and hard work of Connecticut's students, as well as the commitment of the educators and families who have supported them along the way. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future."

"Congratulations to Vedant and Suchita on this prestigious national recognition of their outstanding academic accomplishments," Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. "This remarkable achievement is a testament to their hard work and the educators who have helped empower their educational journeys. We congratulate them on this well-deserved honor and look forward to the positive contributions they will bring to their communities and beyond."

The U.S. Department of Education selected the program's 62^nd class of 161 high school seniors from a national pool of student semifinalists, who were evaluated 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.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Education invites states to nominate students for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The Connecticut State Department of Education encourages school districts to recommend students for the program.

A complete list of 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars and more information about this honor can be found online at ed.gov/psp .