CARY, N.C. (WNCN) — Cary High School senior Ishaan Raghavendra Rao, a student at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, has been named a candidate for the prestigious 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Out of nearly 3.6 million high school seniors nationwide, this honor places Ishaan among just over 5,000 candidates selected for their exceptional academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
“Knowing that my hard work is paying off, it motivates me to continue working hard, pursuing my goals, and doing what I want to do in the future. It shows me that when I put my work into something good, it will come out of it,” Ishaan said.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964, recognizes the nation’s top high school seniors. Finalists will be announced this summer after a thorough review process by a distinguished panel of educators…