Two Connecticut students have been named 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars: Vedant Rakesh Kansara of Farmington High School and Suchita Srinivasan of Cheshire High School.
Gov. Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker recognized the students in an Oct. 28 announcement. Kansara is from Unionville, and Srinivasan is from Cheshire.
They are part of a national class of 161 high school seniors selected by the U.S. Department of Education. The program recognizes accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education.
Selection considers school records and evaluations, essays, community service and leadership, along with academic, artistic or technical work.
Connecticut invites school districts to recommend students for nomination to the national program. The federal program provides the full scholar list.