Carl Qiu '25 Named U.S. Presidential Scholar  

He didn’t think he’d get it. Then he saw his name.  

Carl Qiu ’25 wasn’t expecting much when he opened the U.S. Presidential Scholar webpage and looked at the list of names.  

He had been checking the site weekly, since he wasn’t getting the emails—those were still going to his old Tabor account. 

When Carl applied, he was a Tabor student, so naturally, he used his Tabor email and mailing address. By the time decisions were released in the fall, he was a first-year student at Cornell University. So, the official notification never reached him.  

When the list finally updated, it took him a beat to register what he was looking at. “I didn’t realize it was the finalist list … I just saw my name and thought, OK, still semi-finalists.” But then, Carl noticed that there were only three names in Massachusetts. He paused. “What?” 

Then it hit. This was the final list. He was a Presidential Scholar. 

“I literally jumped off my bed,” he says. “I was like, there's no way they actually chose me!” 

He called his parents immediately: “Oh my gosh, they actually chose me!” 

One of 161 

Established by executive order in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is widely considered one of the highest honors awarded to high school seniors in the country. Each year, approximately 161 students are selected from millions of graduates nationwide—recognized not only for academic achievement, but for leadership, character, and contributions beyond the classroom. 

Students cannot apply directly. They are nominated based on exceptional academic performance, then evaluated through a rigorous process that includes essays, recommendations, and a comprehensive picture of who they are as individuals. 

“For any one school, this is likely a once-in-a-generation achievement,” says Steve Downes, Assistant Director, Center for International Students. “Massachusetts consistently ranks at the top nationally for academic performance, and Carl earned recognition among just three students in the entire state.” 

Matt Voci, Interim Dean of Academics and Carl’s former advisor at Tabor, agrees. “I cannot point to a student in recent memory who has been named a Presidential Scholar. We have had numerous finalists, but we are very proud to have a Tabor Academy alum represented in the selective group of recipients.”  

"Carl embodies everything we hope to cultivate at Tabor—intellectual curiosity, genuine engagement with the community around him, and the kind of character that carries well beyond the classroom,” says Head of School Tony Jaccaci. “This recognition is extraordinary, and it is a reflection of who Carl is as a person. We couldn't be more proud." 

Carl came to Tabor as an international student from China and is a U.S. permanent resident. He studied at the School by the Sea for four years, earning numerous accolades, including induction into the International Thespian Society and the Pandolfi Music Award.  

Acknowledging the importance of a well-rounded education, Carl explains, “It’s not just about academics. You have to show everything—your extracurriculars, your leadership, your impact. It’s like a college application, but even more focused on who you are as a person.” 

For Carl, the recognition means a lot to him, but not just for what it says about grades. “It reminds me of my time at Tabor,” he says. “How much I grew, and not just academically.” 

This award is a mark of recognition that shows the effort he put into his Tabor experience, and the growth that came from it. “I feel like this scholarship shows that all your hard work pays off. Right here, boom—you got this.” 

The Presidential Scholar recognition also opens doors beyond the degree. Recipients are invited into a community of scholars, with monthly events in cities across the country—opportunities to connect with past scholars and build relationships that extend well beyond the classroom. “It's more about the networks and connections,” Carl says, “than the actual prize.” 

From Unpacking to Independence 

When Carl arrived at Tabor as a new ninth-grader, everything felt unfamiliar. He laughs, sharing that on his first day here, “I didn’t even know how to unpack my suitcase.” He spent the night on FaceTime with his mom, settling into his room.  

Four years later, the change was unmistakable. And the growth wasn’t just from any one influence. It came from doing everything, he notes, including his challenging coursework, music, leadership opportunities, athletics, and community involvement.  

Carl’s contributions to Tabor were vast. As concert head for the clarinet section for two years, music was more than an extracurricular. It was a commitment, and one he took seriously. He was also involved in theater and tennis at Tabor, and he was a leader of one of the Saturday TX programs. He helped teach other students American Sign Language and continues to impart that knowledge to his peers at Cornell.  

He points to his academic preparation as defining. Courses in physics and advanced math weren’t simply requirements; they were the foundation for what came next—studying architecture at Cornell. He notes Latin as another class he loved, and the fact that it’s not a widely spoken language makes it feel special to him.  

But not every course came easily, and Carl didn't shy away from the ones that didn't. He reflects on the harder moments—the times he questioned whether all those challenging courses were worth it. “There were definitely times I doubted myself,” he admits. “Why would I take so many hard courses? Would I actually apply this knowledge?” And, he's found his answer.  

“I feel like I’m already so prepared for college,” he says. “Math-wise, Tabor was even harder than my freshman college courses.”  

Carl adds, “Just nourishing your brain is a pretty satisfying process.” 

His advice for current Tabor students? “Don’t be afraid of the hard courses. The harder it is at Tabor, the easier it gets in college.” 

A Bigger Version of Tabor 

Now studying architecture at Cornell, Carl has found a new level of intensity and has also kept a familiar rhythm—one that he adopted during his years by the Sea.  

The transition to college hasn’t been overwhelming, he notes. “Going to Cornell is like going to a bigger version of Tabor. You go to your dorm, you go to class, you go to the library, you go to study hall—even though no one is checking you in.” While Cornell may not have study hall in the same structured way as Tabor, that routine of carving out study time in the evening has helped Carl adjust to college life.  

“It’s definitely stressful and challenging, but I’m also having fun,” admits Carl. He plays in a jazz band, stays active through tennis with friends, and approaches college life the way he approached Tabor: by doing everything he can. 

When asked what he would tell current Tabor students, Carl is quick with the advice. “Try to explore as much as possible. It’s hard to decide your entire future as a teenager.”  

And, just as important, enjoy your time while you’re here. Four years go fast, he says. “I cried after graduation—not at Commencement, but when I went back to my room and everything was empty.” That was the moment it became real.  

“I was like, that’s it. That’s my high school life.” 

He admits that he still occasionally calls Tabor, “home.” He has a habit of typing out his now defunct Tabor email, and when talking about heading back to Cornell’s campus, instinctively says, “let’s go to Tabor.” He even still has his 508 area-code phone number. “That means I’m part of Tabor,” he says. “Part of this place.”   

Perhaps his deep roots to the school are fitting, considering Carl’s certificate and medallion didn’t make it to Cornell. Those were sent to Tabor, as well.  

He reached out to Mr. Downes for help tracking down his package and getting it forwarded to college. That’s how Tabor learned of Carl’s accomplishment: not from a press release or a proud announcement, but from a request from Carl to forward a package.  

“I feel like this, Tabor, is a part of me that’s going to stay forever,” he says.  

And this award? Carl admits, “It's like living a dream.”