On February 20, a moment that is typically reserved for one student became a celebration of three. This year seniors Hayes Parsa, Zach Kimani and Grace Guo were recognized as STAR Students. The students tied in a rare three-way tie with the highest SAT score at the school. After the results were finalized, the students learned of their achievement at the same time.
“Mrs. Crawford sent a google chat to all three of us and told us to meet in her office,” Parsa said. “I went to her office, not knowing what to expect, and she told us right then and there that we all had the same SAT and that we were all going to receive the award.”
While the moment of finding out was exciting, the recognition itself carries deeper meaning for the students.
“I was really surprised because there are a lot of talented students in my grade, and I feel very honored to be selected,” Guo said.
“It means a lot to be recognized for the hard work I’ve put into my academics in high school, and I’m also grateful for the guidance and support I’ve received from my teachers and family.”
Each student credited different habits and approaches that helped them reach the top SAT score at the school.
“I would say one of the most underrated study habits for the SAT is taking a full-length practice test in the same format that you would actually take the real SAT,” Parsa said.
What made this year special is the unusual three-way tie, something that is rarely seen in the school’s STAR Student recognition.
“I was ecstatic when I heard about the three-way tie. Grace and Zach are great students, and I was very excited to share this award with them, and I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else,” Parsa said.
Despite their different approaches, the students shared similar advice for those who hope to become STAR Students one day.
“You need to study consistently. Start at least a month and a half out from the SAT, and you need to do a few practice problems every day, but the biggest thing is consistency,” Kimani said.
The recognition did not stop at the announcement. The students were also formally recognized for their achievement.
“We received Certificates, and we were brought up in front of all of the other local schools and their STAR Students and teachers. Then we each gave a little speech,” Kimani said.
As graduation approaches, each of the STAR Students is already looking forward to their post-graduation plans.
“I plan to go to Cornell University in the fall, and I want to study electrical engineering,” Kimani said.
“I plan on going to college and pursuing undergraduate research and potentially being a doctor,” Parsa said.
“After graduation, I plan on majoring in applied mathematics in college with a focus on algorithms, but I’m still waiting to hear decisions from the colleges I’ve applied to,” Guo said.