AHA Senior Named Semifinalist in Prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

Congratulations to Yeon “Elizabeth” Choe ’25 of the Academy of the Holy Angels, who has been named a semifinalist in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for high school students.

Elizabeth is among 621 semifinalists selected from over 6,000 candidates nationwide, placing her in the top tier of academic and civic excellence. Her application will now advance to the final selection phase, with up to 161 students ultimately named U.S. Presidential Scholars by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in the coming months.

Established in 1964 by executive order of the President, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors for their academic achievement, leadership, service, and talent. In 1979, the program was expanded to recognize students demonstrating exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts, and in 2015, it was further extended to include those excelling in career and technical education fields.

Elizabeth’s recognition as a semifinalist reflects her exceptional dedication, creativity, and pursuit of excellence. Her achievements continue to inspire the Holy Angels community.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many cultural and religious backgrounds. AHA’s current leaders continue to further the SSND mission to provide each student with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential—spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically, by offering a first-rate education in a nurturing environment where equal importance is placed on academic excellence, character development, moral integrity, and service to others.