Changyi Zhou ’26 vies for top honor for U.S. high school students
Changyi “Jason” Zhou ’26 is a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholar Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Established in 1964, the invitation-only program recognizes those who score exceptionally high on the SAT or ACT or demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative, and performing arts or technical education fields.
Zhou, an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate at Cheshire Academy, has taken the SAT four times in the last 18 months.
“I think for me it was just practicing over and over and taking one step at a time,” Zhou said. “I’m really happy that things are going well and I already had good news about a university I like.”
At Cheshire Academy, Zhou enjoys skiing for fun and stress reduction and is in the Eco Leaders Club.
“I especially like planning for Earth Day events and taking initiatives to recycle used books,” said the senior, who plans to study environmental studies in college.
Each year, about 650 candidates are named semifinalists. Their names are given to the Commission on Presidential Scholars and up to 161 Presidential Scholars are named. Winners receive a medallion in June.
Zhou said he works hard in school, and is grateful for encouragement from classmates and faculty.
“Right now I’m just enjoying the moment, treasuring the present and the rest of my senior year, while anxiously waiting to hear back from the rest of my college decisions!” he said.
Congratulations, Jason!
