Kennebunk High School senior named U.S. Presidential Scholar

KENNEBUNK, Maine — Isaac Kahn, a senior at Kennebunk High School, has been named a U.S. Presidential Scholar by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars.

Kahn is one of two Maine students, and 161 nationwide, to be honored with the distinction this year.

"I’m very thankful to everyone in the community who made this possible,” Kahn said. “It is an amazing honor and a great culmination of my time here at KHS."

Kahn also recognized KHS math teacher Alexis Ovington as his most influential teacher in helping him rise to this prestigious honor.

U.S. Presidential Scholars are drawn from the top academically performing high school students across the country each year, and according to a release from the U.S. Department of Education, are selected based on academic success, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said that Kahn and the other Presidential Scholars "represent the best of our nation’s schools and inspire hope in the bright future of this country."

"I am delighted to celebrate their accomplishments, and encourage these scholars to continue to aim high, lift up others, and embrace opportunities to lead," Cardona said.

Kahn will receive a personal letter from Cardona and be recognized with the rest of the 2024 class in an online celebration later this summer.

Following his graduation from KHS, Kahn will attend Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, to study engineering.