West Aurora High School is proud to announce that two members of the Class of 2026, Emerson Laufenberg and Joshua Hoecker, have each achieved a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT (American College Test), a standardized exam used for college admissions.
A perfect ACT score is a distinction earned by less than one-quarter of 1% of test takers nationwide. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2024, only 3,041 out of 1.37 million students reached this benchmark. The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures academic readiness for college, with tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science. Composite scores are calculated by averaging the four section scores, each on a scale of 1 to 36.
“Earning a perfect ACT score is truly an exceptional accomplishment that reflects dedication, focus, and academic excellence,” stated Dr. Whitney Martino, principal of West Aurora High School. “Achieving a top score on the ACT is so impressive, and we are incredibly proud of their hard work. This success also highlights the strength of West Aurora School District’s commitment to academic preparation, rigorous instruction, and continuous support from teachers, staff, and families.”
“Earning a top score on the ACT test opens doors to a promising future, demonstrating for colleges and universities that a student is prepared for the challenges ahead,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “This remarkable achievement is something we celebrate along with the student and their family.”
ACT test scores are accepted by all major four-year colleges and universities in the United States. They play a role in college admissions, scholarship awards, and course placement decisions.
West Aurora School District 129 congratulates Emerson and Joshua on this outstanding academic achievement and looks forward to seeing what they accomplish next.
—West Aurora School District 129