Vela Earns Perfect Score
Senior Alonso Vela has achieved the highest possible ACT Test composite score of 36, a remarkable achievement considering fewer than half of 1 percent of the nearly 2 million students who take the ACT earn a top score.
The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1–36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. Students who earn a 36 composite score have mastered all of the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in first-year college courses in the core subject areas.
Alonso is a well-rounded student participating in Cross Country/Track and Robotics, playing the trombone in the Irish Ensemble and All-East Band, as well as, heading up the school’s Mathletes Club which competes in the Tennessee Math Teacher Association contests. Alonso is considering universities such as Virginia Tech, MIT and Georgia Tech to pursue Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or Aerospace Engineering. Alonso says that “KCHS has provided him with an atmosphere where he could deepen his faith and his relationship with the Lord,” whom he gives thanks for the gifts he’s been given.
National Merit Scholars
Knoxville Catholic is proud to announce National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists, seniors Alonso Vela and Hank Standaert. This is an honor reserved for the top 1% of PSAT test takers in the state of Tennessee. Alonso and Hank now have an opportunity to compete for over 7,000 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring. Congratulations, Alonso and Hank!
National Merit Commended Scholars
Congratulations are also in order for the following five seniors who were officially recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars for their outstanding performance on the PSAT last October. These students scored in top 2% of all high school seniors in the state of Tennessee: L to R: Spencer Stovall, Maria Coco, Raylee McKenzie, Samaha Duffy, Grayson Belt.
Congratulations to all! #IrishAcademics #GoIrish☘️
