Isaac Ahn, a 17-year-old graduating senior at Hackley School in Tarrytown, has achieved a distinction so rare it is considered almost unprecedented among high school students: He is simultaneously a 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidate in the Arts (one of only five candidates selected in New York State), a YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Classical Voice — placing him in the top 0.1% nationally — and a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, placing him in the top 1% nationally.
Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors, with scholars selected based on superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities. Annually, up to 161 scholars are chosen from the nation’s senior class, and of these, up to 20 will be selected as Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
Ahn is committed to using his talent in service for children and youth, especially those in underserved communities. To that end, Isaac founded a 501)(3) not-for-profit organization, Share Your Music Inc., in 2022 to fundraise as well as to provide music education and mentorship to children and youth in underserved communities. Under the motto “Music is for All,” through this initiative in partnerships with other like-minded not for profit organizations, he has been supporting underserved communities of children, youth, and women, providing educational resources, food, funding, and scholarships.
Ahn serves as editor in chief of the award-winning school literary magazine, The Vision. His leadership also includes AAPI co-leader, Hackley Male Acapella leader and mentor, and Hackley School Ambassador.
His recent honors include the Rotary of Tarrytowns Frederic Breitbarth Memorial Scholar (2025), the Friends of Abbott House Student Leader Award, the Class of 1972 Community Engagement Awardee (2025), and a Mayoral Citation for Leadership and Community Outreach from New Rochelle, NY (2024).
Ahn has been a Juilliard Pre-College Vocal Arts student since September 2022, under the mentorship of Professor Lorraine Nubar — and he was the youngest student accepted to the Juilliard Pre-College Vocal Arts program that year, and the only male vocalist admitted in his cohort of five.
Ahn is committed to Harvard University as an incoming freshman in the fall of 2026.
