The Gazebo Gazette

LONG BEACH (GG) — The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday, September 29, 2025, the selection of Alexis Griffith of Long Beach, Mississippi, who attended Long Beach Senior High School in Long Beach as a 2025 U.S. Presidential  Scholar. 

Griffith is one of 161 outstanding American high school graduates who have demonstrated outstanding academic  achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and  community. Scholars are selected 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 3.9 million students who graduated from high school this year, more than 6,400 candidates qualified for the 2025 awards determined by outstanding performance on the SAT or ACT exam or through nominations made by  chief state school officers and partner recognition organizations. 

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man  and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia, 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.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored approximately 8,600 of the nation’s top-performing  students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual,  literary, and performing arts.

In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate  ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.  Since 1983, each U.S. Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential  teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education.

The teacher chosen for recognition by Griffith was Jonathan Maxwell Hart of Long Beach High School.