Fox Friday: Senior Evan Bender Nominated for Prestigious National Honor

Fox Friday is a series that highlights the accomplishments of students districtwide. We regularly feature the incredible things our students are up to — whether they are excelling academically, athletically or are quietly impressive.

Fox Lane senior Evan Bender was recently named one of twenty New York State nominees for the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. This highly prestigious recognition is among the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

According to the New York State Department of Education, “The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects students annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.”

Can you tell us a little bit about the process of applying for the program?

I didn’t actually apply for this program. I received a letter in the mail telling me that I am a candidate for the US Presidential Scholar Recognition Program. I believe it is largely based on ACT or SAT scores, and I did very well on the ACT.  

I will apply as a candidate by late February, and I believe I have to send in my school transcript and possibly an essay or two.

Who nominated you?

I was nominated by Dr. Betty A. Rosa who is the Commissioner of Education for the State of New York as a candidate for recognition in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. I have never met Commissioner Rosa, but I am exceptionally grateful to her for recognizing me and giving me this honor and opportunity.

I am also grateful to Assemblymember Chris Burdick, who I have met before. He made the following statement on the NYS Dept of Education website: 

“I am delighted but not surprised that Evan Bender from Fox Lane High School is one of the twenty students from New York that Commissioner Betty A. Rosa has nominated as a candidate for recognition in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Each year, I spend time looking at the recommendations of students that come my way for this high honor, and my staff and I do our best to select the very best candidates. I can safely say that my entire staff is in awe of Evan, who is not only incredibly gifted academically, but also athletically and musically. Add into the mix a sense of humor, empathy, and a curiosity to learn that knows no bounds, and you have an all-around exceptional student and human being.” 

How did you feel when you learned you were nominated?

I was thrilled and surprised! It also gives me motivation to keep working hard. 

What do you think helped you get to this level of academic success?

Persevering when times get tough instead of giving up. Working hard. Using some humor. Being willing to spend a lot of hours studying! 

Are you involved in any clubs, sports, or community groups?

I am a three-season varsity athlete, competing in fall cross country, winter indoor track, and spring outdoor track. My running highlights include All-Section and First Team All-County in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Our team was the first Fox Lane team ever to earn a bid to the New York Federation Cross Country Championships in 2023. I finished seventh at the USATF National Championship.

I am also a singer, currently participating in the Chamber Choir at Fox Lane. I love to sing and have been in a cappella groups.

I participate in volunteer opportunities when possible. I have worked with Wreaths Across America, Reservoir Clean Ups, and a local group in Katonah called Rising Stars for students who have special needs who play noncompetitive sports.

It is still early, but do you have any hopes or plans for next year?

I will be studying at the University of Chicago next year. I am thinking of majoring in biochemistry, but I am keeping an open mind as I might really like different types of research in physics or astronomy. UChicago is a liberal arts school and has a pretty big core curriculum, so there will be chances to take a lot of different classes.

I learned that Edwin Hubble, the scientist for whom the Hubble Telescope was named, was on the track team at UChicago. So, I know I have a lot of inspiration to draw from at UChicago! Besides that, I will also be running on the cross country and track teams for the Maroons, which is awesome, because my brother Noah and I will be on the same team again.

Do you have a favorite class and/or teacher?

This is a tough question because I have had a lot of favorites in science and math, but I liked a lot of subjects. I especially loved chemistry with Ms. Schmutzer, biology with Ms. Luna, and now physics with Mr. Ludwig.

Do you have any advice for other students?

I think my advice would be to make sure to persevere. Keep at things even when the going gets tough. Know that learning for the sake of learning is better than just getting good grades. Do what you can do with what you have. Keep working and it will become your habit, it will become who you are and will be good for your future. Be curious about all the subjects and try to lean in with a good attitude. Last, if you are lucky enough to have Ms. Mullooley as a guidance counselor, listen to her, because she gives great advice.