Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and the Developing Artists Foundation have announced that Samuel Issac Nelson III, a graduate of Douglas Anderson’s class of 2025, has been named a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school seniors.
Nelson is one of only 161 students nationwide and just 20 students in the arts selected for this prestigious recognition by the U.S. Department of Education.
Out of 3.9 million graduating seniors this year, just 6,400 were considered for the award. Nelson is one of only three presidential scholars in the arts from Florida — and the only student selected from Jacksonville.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964, honors outstanding high school students for their academic, artistic and technical accomplishments, leadership and community service. In 1979, the program expanded to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. Honorees receive a medallion during the national recognition program in Washington, D.C.
Nelson, a graduate of the musical theatre department, distinguished himself as both an artist and a leader. He served as vice president of the class of 2025 and was active in Fellowship of Christian Artists, Black Arts and the International Thespian Society. He was recognized nationally as a 2025 YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Musical Theatre; additionally, he is a Regional NAACP ACT-SO Gold Medalist in Original Essay (2025) and Classical Voice (2024) and a 10-time Critic’s Choice Winner at the District Thespian Competition.
On stage, Nelson earned acclaim for roles in productions such as “Hadestown” (Hermes), “Once on This Island” (Agwe), “The Crucible” (Reverend Hale), “Chicago” (Ensemble) and “Next to Normal” (Dan), a performance that earned him Outstanding Lead Performer at the 11th annual Applause Awards at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando.
Throughout his four years at Douglas Anderson, Nelson benefitted from programs made possible by the Developing Artists Foundation. These opportunities included working with professional guest artists in theatre, as well as the foundation’s underwriting of productions and travel, which expanded his artistic growth and exposure.
The foundation’s investment in students like Nelson helps ensure they have access to the kind of world-class training and experiences that prepare them to thrive at the highest levels of the arts, education and beyond.
“Sam’s success is a shining example of why it is so important to invest in the artistic journeys of young people,” said Erin Vance Skinner, board chair of the Developing Artists Foundation.
“Nelson’s selection as a U.S. Presidential Scholar further highlights the legacy of excellence at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts,” said Timothy Feagins, principal. “We are committed to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders by providing exceptional arts education and opportunities that reflect the highest standards in the nation.”
To learn more about the Developing Artists Foundation and its work supporting Jacksonville’s next generation of artists, go to developingartistsfoundation.org.
