D230 announces top academic achievers

District 230 celebrates the remarkable academic achievements of five students – four who earned the prestigious title of 2025 National Merit Semifinalists and one outstanding graduate who achieved the rare feat of a perfect ACT score. These milestones reflect not only the individual brilliance, but also the dedication and hard work that thrives in all of our schools.

Semifinalists
According to the NMSP, approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide will be recognized for their exceptional academic achievements. Semifinalists represent less than 1% of U.S. high school graduates. They will compete for National Merit Scholarships in 2025, competing nationwide for nearly $26 million in scholarships that will be awarded next spring.

Perfect ACT
Only about a quarter of 1% of students who take the ACT achieve the highest score. According to the ACT, achieving a top score on the ACT is sufficient evidence for any college or university that it is ready for the academic demands that lie ahead.

National Merit Semifinalists
Jocelyn Chan – Sandcastle
Adrian Gunka – Stagg
Grant Saunders – Stagg
Brandon Torres – Sandcastle

Perfect ACT score
Ameera Zaied – Stagg