Hartselle High School is celebrating 42 students for earning a score of 30 or above on the ACT, placing them in an esteemed category among high school students nationwide. According to act.org, a student earning a score of 30 on the ACT surpasses 93 percent of the 1.3 million test-takers in the United States.  

Every junior in Alabama public schools must take the state-mandated ACT during the spring but students can take the test as early as sixth grade. The higher the score, the more scholarships are offered if a student chooses to go to college. 

Those students in the 30 plus club are Jackson Boyd, Dylan Dean, Noah Der, Aubrey Garrison, Noah Gibson, Alex Hatfield, Lauren Maxson, Ethan Mendendorp, Emilee Mock, Elijah Pinion, Aidan Rosendall, Brooklyn Stiles, Mallory Temples, Eleanor Vest, Noah Yates, Caleb Ekema, Miller McLeod, Riggs McLeod, Zeke Priola, Landon Robinson, Mary-Elizabeth Estrada, Riley Thompson, Jackson Adams, Lakelen Crider, Alyssa Dobbs-Langford, Jamison Hill, Porter Kusta, Logan Moore, Lily Norris, Andrew O’Leary, Braxton Wallace, Coy Waynick, Abigail Winslett, Elizabeth Aymett, Kynan Hogan, Laura Lundy, Alivia Wiley, Emily Wells, Kaydence Chandler, Harrison Daigre, Anna Rogalksi and Bryant Shaw.  

Boyd, Dean and Der, all seniors, are also National Merit Scholarship finalists.  

Porter Kusta scored 30 as a freshman. Kusta, 15, said he plans on taking the test again until he can score 34 or higher.  

“Since I took it this first time to get a baseline, my studying wasn’t incredibly extensive,” Kusta said. “I think what might have prepared me the most was taking an English practice test before and reviewing whatever I missed.” 

Kusta said his advice for other students is to take the test early in high school.  

“Simply getting a feel for what the test is like can greatly prepare you for your next attempt,” he added.  

Hartselle assistant principal Bonnie Lamp said most students take the test more than once, seeing improvement each time.  

“We give a mock ACT to all juniors each October to provide them with a baseline and the experience of the timed test setting. The data from the mock exam is used to determine areas of strength and areas of focus for individuals and groups of students,” Lamp said.   

From the data, teachers are provided with ACT bellringers to better familiarize and enhance student understanding in designated areas. 

According to Lamp, practice makes perfect.  

“The best advice for students when it comes to any type of testing is to practice. When it comes to the ACT, or even SAT, time is the enemy,” she said. “(Students) must use the allotted time wisely and be aware of how the pressure can affect test taking abilities. Taking practice tests under the time constraints is always my number one piece of advice.  

“The more familiar they are with the concept and design, the more confident they are in application and understanding. It is not always about what you know when it comes to these tests, it’s about how you use the information provided to answer the question in the allotted time.” 

Superintendent Brian Clayton said the influx of students joining the 30 plus club speaks highly of their character and the families that support them and the school district.  

“The instructional plans for (Hartselle City Schools) on point along with dedication and pride of our faculty, staff and administration,” Clayton said. “There is a strong tradition in the City of Hartselle for high academic standards and our students respond to the expectations of that tradition.”