University of Nebraska Recognizes Presidential Scholars from Lincoln Public Schools
Each student qualified for the University of Nebraska's Presidential Scholars program
Photo: Office of University Communication
Press release
LINCOLN, Neb. — The University of Nebraska and Lincoln Public Schools held a special event Tuesday to recognize a group of exceptional Lincoln students who earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT and have applied to the University of Nebraska.
The event, held at the Lincoln Public Schools Steve Joel District Leadership Center, honored students from Lincoln East and Lincoln High schools. Each student qualified for the University of Nebraska's Presidential Scholars program—an initiative launched in 2024 that provides Nebraska’s highest-achieving students with a full-ride scholarship covering tuition, fees, room and board, and a $5,000 annual stipend at any NU campus.
The following students were honored during the event and presented with a commemorative plaque by NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.:
Josephine Jobst, Lincoln East High
Annabelle Kumm, Lincoln East High
Noah Robb, Lincoln East High
Abby Kruse, Lincoln High
Verity Wegener, Lincoln High
The celebration brought together school leaders, university officials and families to recognize not only academic excellence, but the character and leadership behind the achievement.
Superintendent John Skretta, Ph.D., congratulated the students and their families, noting the rarity of the accomplishment. “Perfection is rarely attained,” he said, “and when it is, it is cause for celebration and recognition.”
Building on that sentiment, Lincoln East Principal Casey Fries emphasized that the students’ impact extends far beyond a single test score. “No matter what you do, you will each make a positive difference in our society,” said Fries.
Lincoln High Principal Mark Larson echoed that praise, highlighting the students’ broader contributions to their school communities. “The students who have earned a perfect score are not just great students in the classroom, but they have contributed in many different ways to our positive school culture, and we are really proud of them,” Larson said.
University leaders underscored that while the honor recognizes academic achievement, long-term success will be shaped by what students choose to invest in their college experience.
“What will define your college success, believe me, will be far more what you personally put into it — time and effort to meet other people, to engage with faculty, to do unique problem solving and research programs, to really lean into the student groups that are so important,” said Dr. Gold.
Students shared their excitement about the opportunities ahead, from hands-on research and internships to joining academic communities that will support their goals in STEM and medicine.
“I really like the research opportunities,” said Verity Wegener of Lincoln High School, noting that a paid summer internship at UNL helped her decide to pursue chemical biology.
“I’ve talked to a few of the current students, and they’ve all been super welcoming,” added Abby Kruse of Lincoln High. “I’m excited to get to know the students that I’ll be spending the next four years with and dive into academics with the community.”
Parents also reflected on the long-term value of the opportunity.
“Your college education can be one of the bigger investments that you make in your life,” said Mike Robb, father of Presidential Scholar Noah Robb. “We’ve been really impressed with the opportunities, the internships and the ways that the University of Nebraska groups kids together to encourage one another and help each other grow.”
Closing the program, Dr. Harnoor Dhaliwal, NU vice provost for innovative student experiences, emphasized that the Presidential Scholars program is designed to shape leaders for Nebraska’s future.
“This recognition isn’t just about recognizing what you’ve done, but investing in what you will become,” said Dhaliwal. “Our goal in this program is to develop the future leaders for this state.”
Speakers included Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John Skretta; Lincoln East Principal Casey Fries; Lincoln High Principal Mark Larson; NU President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold; and Dr. Harnoor Dhaliwal. A reception followed the program.