Left to right: Superintendent Jason Mundorf, Student Drew Welch, Principal Jeff Ganz
KEARNEY — The University of Nebraska System and Kearney Public Schools recognized Kearney High School senior Drew Welch for achieving a perfect score on the ACT during a special event held on January 22 at Kearney High School.
During the event, Drew was formally recognized as qualifying for the university’s prestigious Presidential Scholars program. Launched in February 2024, the Presidential Scholars program provides a full-ride academic scholarship, along with a $5,000 annual stipend, to every high school senior graduating from a Nebraska high school who earns a perfect 36 on the ACT and attends college at the University of Nebraska.
The University welcomed 17 students in its inaugural Presidential Scholars cohort in the fall of 2024. The program will expand in the fall of 2025 to include up to 50 top Nebraska scholars, encompassing both students with perfect ACT scores and other outstanding scorers.
The event, held at the Kearney High School Scott D. Morris Institute, featured a formal program beginning at 1:50 p.m. Speakers included Jason Mundorf, KPS superintendent; Jeff Ganz, principal of Kearney High School; and Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., president of the University of Nebraska System. State and local elected officials, along with family and friends of Drew, attended the event to celebrate his achievement.
