GCM staff report

Two St. Michael Catholic High School students have received prestigious academic awards from the College Board’s National Recognition Program, a nationwide initiative aimed at highlighting the achievements of high-achieving students.

This year marks a milestone for the program as it expands its reach to first-generation students in addition to recognizing rural, small-town, Black, Indigenous and Hispanic/Latino students.

According to a press release. Charles Nevin, a student at St. Michael, received the National First-Generation Recognition Award, while Natalia Pyatt was honored with the National Hispanic Recognition Award. These recognitions are intended to highlight students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and open doors for them as they plan their future.

“We love celebrating our students and recognizing them for the great work they have done. We are proud of their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments such as the PSAT/NMSQT , PSAT 10 and AP Exams,” said Lisa East, Dean of Academics “There is so much that makes our students unique, and this honor reinforces their individuality and achievements as assets for their future.”

To qualify for the College Board’s National Recognition Program, students must have a GPA of B+ or higher and achieve PSAT or AP exam scores that place them in the top 10% of applicants in their state. Eligible students are also evaluated based on their status as a first-generation college student or their membership in underrepresented groups.

The program continues to grow, with more than 90,000 students nationwide being recognized for their academic excellence this year, including more than 35,000 students receiving the recently introduced National First-Generation Recognition Program Award. The awards help connect students with postsecondary institutions, many of which use these awards to guide their recruitment efforts.

“This year, the National Recognition Programs are recognizing more students than ever, ensuring that the outstanding academic skills of more than 90,000 deserving students are not overlooked when planning for their future,” said Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board. “We are proud to support colleges and universities that are committed to supporting all students, and our program provides a way for them to strengthen their recruitment efforts for students who will do well on their campuses.”

St. Michael Catholic High School students like Nevin and Pyatt can verify their eligibility during their sophomore or junior years on BigFuture, the College Board’s online platform. The recognition not only highlights their hard work, but also connects them with thousands of colleges and nonprofits across the country as they prepare for the next phase of their academic journey.