CHICAGO — In a stunning academic milestone, 23 students from Whitney Young Magnet High School have earned perfect scores on the ACT exam, an accomplishment that puts them in an exceptionally rare group nationwide.
“At Whitney Young, today marks a historic moment where we get to celebrate true academic excellence,” said Principal Rickey Harris. “Less than one percent of all ACT test takers earn a perfect 36, and this year, 23 of our students have done just that — an unprecedented achievement.”
The perfect score on the ACT is widely regarded as one of the toughest academic feats for high school students, testing skills across English, math, reading, and science. For these 23 students, months of preparation and dedication paid off in the form of flawless results.
Bennett Star, one of the honorees, credited consistent practice for his success. “I took about eight practice tests over the past year, spaced out to really sharpen my skills,” he said. “It felt great to see the hard work reflected in the final score.”
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For many families, the accomplishment is more than just a number — it’s a source of pride and hope. Mila Martinez shared how telling her father about her perfect ACT was an emotional moment. “He started crying,” Mila recalled. “He’s from Puerto Rico and never had the chance to take the ACT himself. This is a huge moment for our family.”
This remarkable group surpasses the school’s previous record set in 2018, when five students achieved perfect scores. Principal Harris attributed the surge to the school’s culture of high expectations and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Drawing inspiration from a familiar figure, Harris likened the 23 students to basketball legend Michael Jordan, who famously wore the No. 23 jersey. “Like MJ, our students refused to settle for anything less than their best,” he said. “Michael Jordan once said, ‘I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.’ Today, these students embody that spirit.”
The achievement places Whitney Young among a select group of schools nationwide with such a high number of perfect ACT scorers in a single year, making both the school and Chicago immensely proud.
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Fun fact: The ACT is scored on a scale from 1 to 36, but less than 0.2% of students nationwide earn a perfect score, making this group’s accomplishment truly extraordinary.
As these students prepare for the next chapter—whether it’s college or other ventures—their success stands as a testament to dedication, support, and the power of setting ambitious goals.
