Schools
Three D210 Students Score 36 on ACT Test
Three Lincoln-Way High School District 210 students achieved the highest composite score possible on the ACT test.
Three Lincoln-Way High School District 210 students learned this summer they are in an elite group of high school students who earned the top score of 36, the highest composite score possible, on the ACT exam.
Jana Mudrock, Lincoln-Way Central, Richard Puig, Lincoln-Way West, and George Rung IV from Lincoln-Way East were recognized for their achievements.
On average, less than 1 percent of those who take the exam earn the top score, according to ACT. The example given by ACT was for the class of 2012 only 781 out of 1.66 million students who took the test earned the top score.
"Improving student achievement has been and will continue to be the focal point of each of our four high schools. On behalf of the Board of Education, faculty, and staff, I want to congratulate Jana, Richard, and George on their achievement of earning the top score of 36 on the ACT. I also want to recognize their parents and all the support they have given their students to help them realize this high academic achievement," stated Scott Tingley, superintendent.
Mudrock was both excited and glad when she opened the letter from ACT and saw her score of 36, according to a press release.
"I thought to myself that all my studying had paid off. We do a lot of work at school in our classes. I was in the car with my dad and I grabbed the letter out of the mail box," said Murdrock.
When Puig learned of his score he said, "Mostly it just felt like, finally. It's something that I've been aiming for, and to know that I was able to have the discipline and focus to achieve my goal is a reward all its own."
Rung saw the letter and opened it right away. He remembers asking his dad if the letter was a joke. His father told him the letter was real.
"After a few moments of disbelief, I called my mother at work and then the entire family was excited," said Rung.
Mudrock plans on majoring in biomedical engineering, as a chance to help people she said. She is applying to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and to Purdue University.
Mudrock enjoys participating in school activities as well as in the classroom. She enjoys playing on the badminton team for four years and tennis team for three. She is the president this year of Mathletes, a competitive math club; and is an active member of the Link Crew.
"Jana works extremely hard in the classroom and outside the classroom. Her parents are both educators and have instilled in her an outstanding work ethic. It's an honor for her and an honor for this high school that she received the top score of 36 on her ACT," stated Steve Provis, principal.
Puig plans on majoring in physics with a concentration on Theoretical Physics. He is applying to Stanford University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Central Florida, University of California - Berkeley, University of Illinois, and also considering Cambridge, England.
"I love playing trumpet for the Jazz Band, Pep Band, Musical Pit, and Madrigal Brass. In addition, I participate in Scholastic Bowl, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Mathletes, and volunteer work for the music department. I also have played tennis since my sophomore year, and I played soccer for two years," said Puig.
"Richard is a great young man. We at West are very happy for him. He is a hard worker and a strong representative of the Lincoln-Way West Warrior and the Warrior Code; honor, respect, wisdom, and courage," said Monica Schmitt, principal.
Rung plans on majoring in electrical engineering. He will be applying to four schools because of their engineering programs he said. The schools are: Bradley University, University of Illinois, Purdue University, and Rose Hulman. "I want an engineering school and still be close to home," he said.
Rung has been a member of the Lincoln-Way East Marching Griffins all four years of high school. He has also been a member of the Science Club for all four years, he noted. George enjoys participating in community activities also. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 725 from Mokena. Currently he is sending in his application for the Eagle Scout Award.
"George is a very hard working young man. His fellow students, our faculty, and staff at East are very proud of his achievement, earning the top score of 36 on the ACT. To me, this achievement is like winning a state championship in academics," said Sharon Michalak, principal.
For more information about Lincoln-Way High School district 210,view the district's website.
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