WHS senior scores 36 on ACT, earns National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist designation

A Woodstock High School senior who earned a perfect ACT score has been named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist among the top 1 percent of high school seniors nationwide.

Aaron Crenshaw said he’d earned near-perfect PSAT scores earlier in high school, so he believed a 36 on the ACT was within reach. Fewer than .3 percent of high school juniors earn a perfect score.

“I knew it was a possibility and something I hoped I could achieve,” Crenshaw said.

The Blue Streaks senior is on the Link Crew, an upperclassmen orientation leader for freshmen, a peer math tutor, and a member of the math team. He also participates in five high school choirs, including jazz, madrigals, and other ensembles.

“We are incredibly proud of Aaron's achievement. His commitment to academics is truly outstanding, and as a Link Crew leader, he is helping to build the future of Woodstock High School,” WHS Principal John Liuzzi said.  

While Crenshaw excels in all subjects, math is his favorite. He said he’s planning to become an actuary after college. Crenshaw is considering Brigham Young University in Utah or the Brigham Young campus in Idaho.

“I really like the faith-based learning they offer,” Crenshaw said, adding that his older siblings have studied on both BYU campuses.

About 16,000 students from across the nation were selected as National Merit semifinalists. Students compete for $24 million in scholarships that will be awarded next spring. 

Crenshaw and the other semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.