The South Dakota Department of Education is proud to congratulate Emma Plamp of
Mitchell and Ronan Maher of Sioux Falls for their recognition as U.S. Presidential Scholars. They were
selected for their achievements in academics and involvement beyond the classroom.
Deemed one of the highest honors for high school students, U.S. Presidential Scholars receive an
engraved U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion as a lifelong symbol of their extraordinary
accomplishments.
“Emma and Ronan are exemplary students who have achieved great success at such a young age,” said
Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves. “Receiving recognition, especially nationally, is a remarkable
honor that directly speaks to their grit and ambition.”
Plamp held over eight leadership roles, participated in over 12 activities, including several school bands,
Pen Pals, Quiz Bowl, and received 15 awards during her high school career. In addition to her robust
accomplishments, she was selected as a Davis Bachall Scholar to participate in a premier four-week
international physics and engineering research program with the Sanford Underground Research Facility
before beginning her studies in Electrical and Nuclear Engineering at South Dakota State University.
Maher was actively involved in several organizations such as the Young Investors Society, the U.S.
Rowing National Team, where he represented Team USA at several World Championships, served as a
Youth Delegate to the United Nations, and founded and led the Financial Freedom Initiative to fight
poverty and promote financial education worldwide. Currently, he is attending Dartmouth College
studying Economics and Chinese.
