STEM Academy on Friday recognized five students who were recognized by the College Board National Recognition Program.
Students include Maci Jo Baker, a senior, junior Madeleine “MJ” Couch, seniors Kamryn Kershaw and Noah Leet and junior Katie-Lynn Poindexter.
Poindexter was recognized as a Hispanic and first-generation scholar; Baker, Couch and Kershaw were first-generation; and Leet was recognized as a Hispanic scholar.
To qualify, students must take the fall 2023 PSAT/NMSQT in sophomore or junior year and score in the top 10 percent of test takers from their award program in the state and earn a cumulative GPA of a B+ or higher by the time of submission, information from the school said.
A small ceremony was held for them in the large multipurpose room at STEM where teachers, family and friends gathered for the occasion.
“We’re very proud of our students and all the hard work that they’ve accomplished. This is a great way to showcase how hard they’ve worked in their academics throughout the years,” Executive Director Shannon Davidson said.
Dean of Students Jacob Green said the students are ranked nationally based on their PSAT scores.
“I am super proud of them. I’ve had all of them in class; they’re all wonderful students,” Green said.
Plans are to put the banner with the students names on it in the Founders Building like a championship banner. He said he will get the previous ones ordered so they can also be hung.
“These are our champions,” Green said.
Poindexter said it was an honor to receive two recognitions. They got emails from the College Board telling them of the recognitions.
“I think it’s great that they put this all together for us,” Poindexter said of the gathering.
In college, Poindexter wants to major in fine arts and minor in computer science.
She added that she loves the STEM Academy for the opportunities and support it provides.
“Originally, I didn’t want to go to college, but all of the teachers, they’ve been so supportive. They’re like, you could do so much stuff with your life and so they’ve been very helpful, very supportive in helping me in my academic career,” Poindexter added.
Couch said it was a surprise to get the recognition. She also didn’t think it would happen.
“It’s nice, though,” she added.
She would like to go into nursing or pre-med and eventually become a pediatrician.
Couch has been at STEM Academy since first grade.
“Honestly and truly, I think it’s been a great experience for me. It’s a smaller school, but it’s also very project oriented and I got to learn how to do all sorts of stuff. I think it’s really going to help me later in life,” she added.
