Gov. Heineman Recognizes Five High School Seniors for Top ACT Scores

(Omaha, Neb.) Photos - Gov. Dave Heineman today recognized five Nebraska high school seniors for their academic achievement in earning top scores of 36 on the ACT college admissions exam.

The Governor was joined by Doug Christensen, Nebraska Commissioner of Education, in honoring seniors earning the highest possible composite scores on the exams. The students recognized today will graduate this spring and took the tests in the fall or winter of 2007.

“It is a pleasure to congratulate these students on achieving top academic successes,” Gov. Heineman said. “This achievement is evidence of a true commitment to learning. These are just a few of the outstanding young people in our state who have distinguished themselves in the classroom, and I’m confident they will build upon their academic accomplishments in the years ahead.”

These five Nebraska students earning a top ACT score were among 102 students nationwide to receive the highest possible score during their testing periods. They include: Ross T. DeVol who attends Bellevue East High School; Sarah K. Ferguson, Omaha Central High School; Kirsten A. Miller of Omaha who attend Millard North High School; James J. Morin of Lincoln’s Pius X High School; and Madison M. Rezaei of Omaha who attends Elkhorn High School.

Sarah Ferguson of Central High School also received a top score on her SAT exams.

Nebraska Education Commissioner Doug Christensen congratulated the Nebraska graduates for their outstanding academic success, saying, “I applaud the high level of academic success each of you have demonstrated. Scoring at the top on your college entrance exam shows a commitment and dedication to your schooling. I know you will represent Nebraska, your school and your community well in the years ahead. I also want to thank your parents, your teachers and school administrators for supporting you and encouraging you to do your best.” 

DeVol was the only Nebraska student to earn a top score of 36 on the ACT test during the December 13, 2007, national test date. Of the nearly 370,000 tests administered that day, only 39 test-takers earned a score of 36.

Ferguson, Miller, Morin, and Rezaei were among more than 475,000 national test-takers on October 27, 2007. Only 63 students in the U.S. earned a top-score of 36 on that date.

The ACT consists of four tests that are scored on a scale of one to 36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. The average composite score for Nebraska high school graduates in 2007 was 22.1.

Jon Erickson, Vice President of ACT Educational Services, said, “Earning a 36 on the ACT is truly a rare achievement, and these students are all to be commended for their outstanding performance. While ACT test scores alone certainly do not guarantee future success, they are a solid indicator that these students are exceptionally well prepared to face the new academic options and challenges ahead of them.”

 Last fall, the Governor recognized five other graduating seniors who also received a top score.