Concord native one of three from NC named 2025 US Presidential Scholar

(QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Concord teen was named a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar, the Department of Education announced Monday. 

The U.S. Department of Education today announced the selection of Nihar R. Kummetha, who graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham. He is one of 161 selections from across the country and among the three selections from North Carolina. 

Kummetha is currently a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. 

The honorees 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. 
 
Kummetha has spent the past four summers volunteering at VA medical facilities in Charlotte, according to the Disabled American Veterans. For his service, last month, the organization awarded him with a $30,000 scholarship. 

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 Kummetha was Michael J. Bruno of Science & Math, a public boarding school for high-achieving students across the state.