After three hard years of blood, sweat and tears, 18 seniors have something remarkable to show for it. Every year Collegeboard awards National Recognition to students with exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT and/or AP exams and a GPA of 3.5 or higher and our school was lucky to have so many scholars receive recognition.  

This moment showed those who were a part of it that all the effort and time that is dedicated to student’s studies doesn’t go to waste. 

“I think that my hard work has led me down this path and it feels good to know that it doesn’t go unrecognized,” senior Rodrigo Garcia said. “ It feels good to achieve something, even if that something isn’t a huge deal.” 

Night after night, test after test, in the face of such rigorous academic work, it’s still a good idea to keep searching  for these sorts of opportunities.  

“The best advice I could give to underclassmen trying to win this award is take every chance you get,” senior Odalys Gray said. “Every time you have the chance to take the PSAT, SAT, AP Exams, take it. The more times you take it, the better chance you have at improving your scores.”

Some students have found that the key to success is confidence and figuring out the balancing act that is public education. 

“Maintaining a good schedule and being realistic about the things I could and couldn’t handle really helped a lot, especially while balancing multiple honors and ap classes,” senior Dorcas Bawa said. “Be confident, yet realistic, in your skills. You’re not above studying- one to two hours helps a lot, especially if you plan on taking AP or DC”

Even though these upperclassmen are just beginning to see the benefits of all their hard work, they have the opportunity to pass down their knowledge to any underclassmen who want to dream big. 

“You are much more than that grade,” senior Mia Arrington said. “Continue to study and, as cliche as it sounds, ask questions. College Board is looking for exemplary scholars, if you think that term applies to you, then it does. Prove to College Board that you are deserving of that award.”