Trigg County High School’s prestigious 28-Plus ACT Club officially moved to 17 students Tuesday night Wildcat Cafeteria — as 12 more sophomores, juniors and seniors were inducted into this inaugural class, following an intimate dinner and some brief words from Superintendent Bill Thorpe.
One of the more difficult tests of academic aptitude, the ACT measures working skills in English, reading, math and science. Excelling in these subjects, Thorpe said, creates unlimited opportunity in the collegiate realm and workforce, and can generate goodwill, scholarship options and untold relationships with new education communities.
But Thorpe also added a splash of humor.
Four sophomores still have two years of high school remaining before their futures come into focus: Piper Mackey, Michael Mahon, Elizabeth Redd and Natalia Slover.
Mackey thinks she may eventually go into something computer related. Think cybersecurity or animation or video game design. She likes it, and it pays well, and she felt ready for this test.
Mahon, meanwhile, has arrived via New York and Fort Campbell — and he’s locked in on nuclear engineering as a future career.
Redd is looking at pursuing a unique career in viticulture — which is the science, and practice, of growing grapes.
Grapes specifically cultivated and curated for wine production.
Just like her sophomore classmates, Slover completed “The Amazing Shake” competition and was a finalist — where she noted she’s a bodybuilder and baker focused on an engineering career.
Four juniors are entering their final summer before college, or some other option, becomes a reality: Joshua Knott, Kristen Oakley, Audawan Stepp and Alex Le.
Knott said he’s either going to look into engineering design or psychology after his time at TCHS.
But he also overcame a couple of tough ACT attempts his sophomore year, and brought some humility to the honor.
Oakley said she’s going to Murray State University for a focus on business administration, but isn’t sure what’s to come with this trail.
Still, Trigg County prepared her for what’s next.
Stepp and Le, like their classmates, have plenty of time to find what fits.
Four seniors are now taking massive steps toward adulthood: Sadie Utter, Peyton Moore, Ciarrah Burchnell and Luke Terrell.
Utter is going to attack something related to the medical field, and she already has a declared major of bio-pre-med with a minor in Spanish. Medicine is where her heart is, and she will study at Murray State.
Moore was originally interested in being a lawyer, but has since pivoted to accounting — especially after getting some hands-on experience in Christian County.
Burchnell just finished up time spent with the Trigg County Youth Leadership team, and because both of her parents are enlisted, she intends to seek a similar path after walking the stage.
Terrell, meanwhile, has also been part of the Trigg County Youth Leadership team, and most recently snagged the Wildcat Award for boys basketball after playing in 25 games this season.
Administering the college admissions exam as part of the state testing program allows students the opportunity to take this exam at no cost. Since it is taken during the school day, it provides equitable access for all to participate.
In 2022, Kentucky’s average ACT score from its high schoolers was 18.6 out of a possible 36. It was the eighth lowest among states, but one of less than 10 with 96% or better student attendance.
