SALT LAKE CITY-Thursday, three Utah high school seniors were named as presidential scholars per an announcement from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

These students are Taylor Fang of Logan High School, Waterford’s High School Emma Grace Sun and home-schooled Moses Giles Samuelson-Lynn of West Valley City.

The Utah students were among 161 recognized nationally for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical educational fields.

This is the 56th class of presidential scholars.

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

Among 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, some 5,300 candidates qualified for the 2020 awards determined by their performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers.