John Graham Gardner IV and Raghav Pallapothu, two seniors at River Bluff High School, have been named semifinalists in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Logan Alistair Rollins of Dutch Fork High School has also made it to this round.

John, Raghav and Logan are among only 10 students from South Carolina who have been selected as semifinalists; approximately 650 candidates have been named semifinalists.

Other semifinalists from South Carolina include students from Ridge View High School, Nation Ford High School, South Carolina Governor’s School for Arts & Humanities, Spring Valley High School, Myrtle Beach High School, Williston Northampton School and Riverside High School. 

“These two remarkable young men exemplify the very best of River Bluff,” Jacob Smith, principal of River Bluff High, said. “Their accomplishments reflect their dedication to excellence and the support of their families, teachers, and our school community. We are incredibly proud.”

Established in 1964, this program recognizes and honors high school seniors who have talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was extended to students who demonstrate accomplishments in career and technical educational fields.  

For more than 60 years, this program has recognized over 8,000 U.S. Presidential Scholars who have demonstrated leadership, academic achievement and contribution to their school and community. 

Students can become Presidential Scholars based on three paths of accomplishments: the general component, arts component and CTE component. 

Beginning in April, the commission reviews all applications of semifinalists based on the criteria. The Commission selects 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars each year. 

Finalists will be named in May and will be invited to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars in Washington, D.C.