Covington’s Aditiya Babbar and Metairie’s Christine Tseng among 161 members of the class of 2026 announced by the U.S. Department of Education
BATON ROUGE, La. — Two Louisiana students have been named 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars. The U.S. Department of Education announced the 161 members of the class of 2026 being recognized for their remarkable achievements in academics, the arts, and career and technical education.
The 2026 Louisiana scholars are:
- Jefferson Parish: Christine Tseng, Metairie, Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
- St. Tammany Parish: Aditiya Babbar, Covington, Mandeville High School
“Congratulations to Aditiya and Christine on earning this remarkable honor reserved for a small group of students across the country,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “I applaud their hard work and dedication, as well as the educators who helped guide their academic journey.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars identifies honorees through a rigorous selection process, evaluating academic excellence, artistic and technical talent, essays, school recommendations, and evidence of leadership and community service.
This year, out of 3.9 million graduating high school seniors, more than 6,700 candidates qualified for consideration based on outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or nominations by chief state school officers.
“These students represent the exceptional caliber of character and intellect that our nation’s future demands,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “On behalf of President Trump, I congratulate each scholar who never gave up, the families who believed in them, and the communities who guided them. As you forge your next paths, continue to aim higher, leverage your extraordinary talents, and boldly assume your responsibilities as leaders.”
Each member of the 2026 class will receive an engraved U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion, symbolizing their extraordinary accomplishments and bright futures.
The 2026 class includes one young man and one young woman from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 at-large scholars, 20 scholars in the arts, and 20 scholars in career and technical education, as directed by Presidential Executive Order.