Seven students from Geneva High School have earned prestigious academic honors from the College Board’s National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, an initiative that highlights the accomplishments of students in smaller communities across the country.
The honored students—Sophie Augustine, Rendell Belanger Curren, Emily DeBolt, Strummer Dunn, Evan Lin, Eliot Mauer, and Loretta Norwalk—stood out for their academic achievements, dedication, and potential. This national program helps students in rural and small-town areas showcase their academic performance to colleges and universities nationwide, facilitating increased access to higher education opportunities.
To qualify for the recognition, students must maintain a GPA of at least a B+ (3.3 or 87%-89%), achieve PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 scores in the top 10% statewide, or score 3 or higher on two or more AP exams by the end of their sophomore year. Additionally, students must attend a high school in a rural or small-town setting.
Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board, emphasized the significance of the recognition program. “This year, the National Recognition Programs are recognizing more students than ever so that the outstanding academic abilities of more than 90,000 deserving students are not overlooked as they plan for their future,” Reitz said. The program also supports colleges in recruiting talented students from diverse backgrounds, Reitz added, “who will thrive on their campus.”
The students’ recognition underscores Geneva High School’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, even in rural settings, and provides these scholars a valuable asset in their journey toward higher education.
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