Searcy High School celebrating 15 students scoring above 30 on ACT
SEARCY, Ark. – Despite a relatively cloudy day across central Arkansas, the sun is shining bright for 15 students at Searcy High School.
District officials said 15 students out of the high school’s junior class scored a 30 or above on their ACT exam, one student got a perfect score.
“I’ve been in education 15 years, and I’ve never known a student to score a 36,” Searcy High School Principal David Landers said.
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Searcy Junior Sophie Sutterfield-Qualls said she’s been preparing for the ACT since freshman year. She said she was shooting for a 34 this round.
“I called my mom, and she freaked out,” Sutterfield-Qualls said. “My goal was a 34, so I was really surprised when I got the 36.”
She said the score takes a huge weight off heading into her senior year. Now instead of studying for the test again, she said she can take time to focus on applications and essays.
Sutterfield-Qualls isn’t the only junior the school is celebrating. 15 students in her class scored a 30 or above on the ACT, marking a milestone for the district.
“When you look at the number of kids scoring that high, that’s thousands of dollars in college scholarships that come open now because of their hard work and dedication,” Landers said.
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The future shines bright for these juniors who are preparing to head off to college.
“If I do go to Fayetteville, I could probably go there for free,” Hannah Robinson, who scored a 32, said.
“I’ve been looking at Rice University in Houston,” Sutterfield-Qualls said.
“I’m probably going to Harding,” Elijah Sandlin who scored a 33 on his ACT.
These students say for now, they’ll hold on to a final year at the place they call home.
“I’m kind of sad to be leaving soon but this place has done so many good things for me so I’m pretty excited for my last year,” Sutterfield-Qualls said.
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On top of the high scores, the principal said 60% of the entire junior class scored a 19 or higher which automatically qualifies them for a lottery scholarship.
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