Neenah High School juniors Jackson Vendola and David Xiao both earned perfect scores on the ACT college prep exam.
To put into perspective, according to ACT data, a total of 2,760 students nationwide recorded perfect scores in 2017. A total of 2,030,038 students took the exam, meaning 0.136 percent of test takers finished with a 36. The national average for the exam is a 21.0.
The 36 composite score does not necessarily mean the student answered every question correctly. The score represents a combination of the math, reading, science and English scores. Vendola was perfect in three areas and had a 35 in the math section. Xiao had a 34 in reading and a 36 in each of the other sections.
Both students took the ACT prep class offered by the District. Vendola was taking the test for the fourth time and first took it as a freshman. Xiao took the test in February for the first time.
“We are incredibly proud of Jackson and David for their accomplishment,” said Neenah High School principal Brian Wunderlich. “It not only speaks to their dedication to academics, but also the commitment from their families and their teachers through every level of education. These are two students who are destined for great things in the future.”
Vendola is the son of Derek Messer and Lara Vendola-Messer. He attended Roosevelt Elementary and participated in the District magnet program. He plans to apply to the University of Chicago and hopes to double major in astrophysics and mathematics. Vendola is enrolled in the manufacturing and engineering academy and participates in chess, math team and jazz combos.
Xiao is the son of Zhihui Xiao and Hong Zhang. He moved to Neenah in fifth grade and attended Lakeview Elementary. Xiao plans to apply to Northwestern University and is interested in a career in the medical field. He participates in Touch of Class orchestra, tennis and math team. He also is involved with the Boys and Girls Brigade.
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