The PreACT Rising Stars program, in its inaugural year, honors students who score in the top half of all U.S. students who take the PreACT 8/9 Assessment. That exam provides a preview of the ACT test experience, along with a highly reliable prediction of how students might perform on the ACT. The information is critical in helping schools adjust learning plans and demonstrating to students that college could be in reach should they decide to pursue that path.

“More than anything, we want to support conversations between students and their families, educators, and guidance counselors about what’s next after high school, so students feel more secure about their postsecondary options,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “Students who take PreACT also have the opportunity to share their information with colleges and scholarship agencies, which can increase their chances for early college recruitment and financial support.”

Dewar Principal Leslie Jones echoed those priorities.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding performance on PreACT and for being recognized through the Rising Stars program,” Jones said. “PreACT is an important practice tool that can help our students prepare for future standardized testing, helping our students to build confidence and develop essential test-taking skills.”

The PreACT Rising Stars program recognizes students at three levels:

• Distinguished Scholars Award, recognizing students who score in the top 5% of test takers.

• Rising Scholars Award, for students who score in the top 6-15% of test takers.

• Early Scholars Award, honoring students who score in the top 16-30% of test takers.

At Dewar School, the total number of students who achieved each of these recognitions includes:

• Rising Scholars Award, received by two students.

• Early Scholars Award, received by 16 students.

Students who qualify for the Distinguished Scholars Award will receive a gold medal and certificate; Rising Scholars Award recipients will receive a silver medal and certificate; and Early Scholars Award winners will receive a certificate.