Photo Courtesy St. George's Independent School
Griffin Davis
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced its selection of 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars — Griffin Walls Davis of Germantown, TN, was among 161 outstanding American high school graduates named with the honor.
Scholars are selected annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
More than 6,400 candidates qualified for the 2025 awards based on outstanding performance on the SAT or ACT exam, or from nominations made by chief state school officers and partner recognition organizations. Griffin is one of four achieving students awarded in Tennessee, and the only recipient from the West Tennessee area.
Congratulations to this year’s Presidential Scholars for their remarkable academic, artistic, and technical achievements,” said Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education. “Out of 3.9 million high school graduates, these 161 students are recognized for their extraordinary performance in their high school career. I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in their future!”
Griffin is a graduate of St. George's Independent School (SGIS), and is currently attending the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), studying Mechanical Engineering, and participating in club lacrosse and wrestling. Griffin's proud parents, Kim and Darrell Davis, shared some of his other noteworthy achievements:
- SGIS 2025 Class Valedictorian - 5.55 weighted GPA (highest in school history)
- National Merit Finalist; perfect score on ACT (36) and PSAT (1520)
- Named Mr. St. George’s; various leadership positions in school government and organizations
- TSSAA Division II Wrestling State Champion
- Tennessee Male Scholar Athlete of the Year (TIAAA) and National Section 3 (representing eight states) Scholar Athlete of the Year (NIAAA)
- Captain - 4-year Varsity Wrestling Team; 2-year Varsity Lacrosse Team
- Served as a Founding Impact Player for Champions for Literacy (national charitable organization located in Memphis)
- Lifeguard and swim instructor - Employed by City of Germantown for Germantown Athletic Center (2.5 years)
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored approximately 8,600 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979, to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Since 1983, each U.S. Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher, who are also honored by the Secretary of Education. Griffin's chosen educator is Mr. Ethan Sullivan of SGIS.
To learn more about the U.S. Presidential Scholars program, and to see the full list of 2025 honorees, visit U.S. Department of Education.