Gov. Heineman Recognizes Seven High School Seniors
for Top ACT & SAT Scores

(Omaha, NE) Governor Dave Heineman today recognized seven Nebraska high school seniors for their academic achievement in earning top scores of 36 on the ACT or a 2400 on the SAT college admissions exams.

The Governor was joined by Fred Meyer, President of the State Board of Education, in honoring seniors earning the highest possible composite scores on the exams. The students recognized today are graduating this spring and took their exam prior to the start of this school year.

“I want to congratulate each of these students on all the hard work that put them at the top of their class,” 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.”

The five Nebraska students earning a top ACT score were among 497 students nationwide to receive a perfect score. They include: Augusto Alonso and Kevin Ducey, both of Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha; Alexander Churchill of Lincoln East High School; Brian DeVol of Bellevue East High School; and Kyle Huston of Omaha’s Millard North High School.

This year, Tina Zheng of Lincoln East High School and Sarah Ferguson of Central High School in Omaha received top scores on their SAT exams. Of the nearly 1.5 million seniors graduating in 2007 who took the SAT, only 269 scored a 2400.

Meyer said, “On behalf of the members of the State Board of Education, I offer congratulations to each of these students on their outstanding academic achievement. You are among Nebraska’s best and we look forward to seeing what you go on to accomplish in the years to come. Your achievements so far reflect well on your teachers, schools and of course your family.”

The ACT consists of four tests that are scored on a scale of 1 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, “ACT is pleased to help recognize these seniors. Colleges look at a number of factors when a student applies for admission. An ACT score of 36 is one factor that will better enable these students to attend the most selective colleges and universities in the nation. It indicates that the student should have the widest possible range of future educational options to choose from.”

Developed by The College Board, the SAT measures the critical thinking, mathematical reasoning and writing skills needed to do college-level work. The exam reflects what students learn in school and helps demonstrate how students are able to apply that knowledge.

Laurence Bunin, College Board Senior Vice President in charge of the SAT, said, “It is a wonderful achievement for a student to earn a top score on the SAT. We congratulate Tina and Sarah for accomplishing so much so early in their lives. With the help of their teachers, parents and counselors, we know that they are on their way to bright futures.”

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