NASHUA – With just days to go before graduation, Pratham Mukewar, a senior at Nashua High School South, is not done yet as he is just one of six students in New Hampshire to be named a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars program.

His father, Milind Mukewar, said that in February, Pratham was notified by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education that he had been accepted into the original nationwide group of more than 6,500 students. In addition to providing details about his extensive community service and academic achievements, Pratham had to also submit teacher recommendations, approval from his parents and approval from Nashua South Principal Keith Richard. The nationwide group has since been reduced to 627 students.

“This recognition reflects not just academic talent, but years of quiet hard work, curiosity and commitment to others,” said Mukewar. “It’s a joy to see that effort honored at the national level by this selective program.”

Pratham will find out in the coming months if he was chosen as a Presidential Scholar.

Mukewar said the Presidential Scholars Program differs from the National Honor Society and the National Merit Scholarship in that it is awarded by the federal government.

“National Merit is a private scholarship competition based mainly on PSAT scores that can lead to money for college,” said Mukewar. “The National Merit Scholarship is a separate non-governmental program run by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.”

Although no scholarship money is attached, Mukewar said being a Presidential Scholar is “one of the highest honorary awards for high school seniors.”

He said that throughout high school, his son has enjoyed courses in math and computer science.

“Pratham is a two-time USA Math Olympiad qualifier and bronze medalist,” he said. “He also achieved the Platinum level in the USA Computing Olympiad.”

Mukewar said no other student in Nashua South history has attained these milestones. He said Pratham also received the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award. In addition, Pratham is a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, the Science Honor Society and the Latin Honor Society. He is also captain of the school’s Math Club, Computer Science Club and Chess Club. Athletically, Pratham has been a state Division I swimmer during his four years on Riverside Street.

Despite his myriad of accomplishments, Pratham was still surprised to learn that he was a semifinalist.

“It’s such an incredible honor and I’m just grateful to even be considered,” he said. “There are so many hardworking students across the country, so being named a semifinalist means a lot to me. I’m really excited to see where it goes from here.”

Pratham is planning to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall to further his studies in math and computer science.