A senior from Punahou School and a senior from Kalani High School have been named 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars for Hawaii, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced today.

The students, Carter Nakamoto of Punahou School and Emily Yang of Kalani High, are among 161 high school seniors nationwide being recognized for their academic performance; talent in the visual, creative and performing arts; and accomplishments in career and technical education fields.

“I congratulate this year’s class of Presidential Scholars for their devotion to academic excellence and their parents and teachers who have guided them along the way,” DeVos said in a news release. “Today’s Presidential Scholars are tomorrow’s leaders, and I am confident they will continue to be shining examples as they enter the next phase of their academic careers.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

The commission selects one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 students chosen at-large. Additionally, there are 20 scholars recognized for their achievements in the arts and 20 scholars recognized for their achievements in career and technical education.

The U.S. Department of Education said that of the 3.5 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,100 candidates qualified for the awards.

Nakamoto and Yang were among eight semifinalists for Hawaii, including finalists from public schools Mililani and Waipahu High, and private schools ‘Iolani School and Hawaii Preparatory Academy.

The recipients will be recognized at a June 18 ceremony in Washington, D.C.