St. Michael Catholic High School students receive national recognition from the College Board

GCM staff report

Two St. Michael Catholic High School students have received prestigious academic honors as part of the College Board's National Recognition Program, a nationwide initiative designed to highlight the achievements of high-achieving students.

This year marks a milestone for the program as it expands its reach to include first-generation students and additionally recognizes rural, small town, Black, Indigenous and Hispanic/Latino students.

According to a press release. Charles Nevin, a student at St. Michael, received the National First-Generation Recognition Award, while Natalia Pyatt was honored with the National Hispanic Recognition Award. These recognitions are intended to highlight students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and open doors for them as they plan their future.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for the great work they have done. We are proud of their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board exams such as the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and AP exams,” said Lisa East, dean of students. “There is so much that makes our students unique makes, and this award strengthens their individuality and their achievements as an enrichment for their future.”

To qualify for the College Board's National Recognition Program, students must maintain a GPA of B+ or higher and achieve PSAT or AP exam scores that place them in the top 10% of test takers in their state. Eligible students will also be evaluated based on their status as first-generation college students or belonging to underrepresented groups.

The program continues to grow and more than 90,000 students across the country were recognized for their academic excellence this year, including over 35,000 students who received the newly established National First-Generation Recognition Program Award. The awards help connect students with post-secondary institutions, many of which use these awards to guide their recruiting efforts.

“This year, the national recognition programs are recognizing more students than ever before, ensuring the outstanding academic abilities of more than 90,000 deserving students are not overlooked as they plan for the future,” said Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at the College Board. “We are proud to support colleges and universities that are committed to supporting all students, and our program offers them a way to strengthen their recruiting efforts for students who will thrive on their campus.”

St. Michael Catholic High School students like Nevin and Pyatt can check their eligibility during their sophomore or junior year on BigFuture, the College Board's online platform. The recognition not only highlights their hard work, but also connects them with thousands of colleges and nonprofit organizations across the country as they prepare for the next phase of their academic journey.