How many of us can say we’re in the Top 7 percent in anything – well, say it and it be true? There’s one Vernon High School junior who can! Savannah (Sam) Thomas’ score of 30 on the American College Testing (ACT) standardized exam used for college admissions is in the Top 7 percent of scores for 2024. The highest score that can be achieved on the ACT is 36.
The 30 score is also the top score among VHS juniors and seniors who took the exam here in March. When he walked out of the room after taking the ACT on March 5, Sam was a little unsure how he did after seeing the test for the first time.
“I wasn’t super confident,” Sam admitted, “especially in math. In the other parts I felt like I did OK, but the Science part of the test wasn’t like it was described.”
The ACT is broken down into four parts – English, Reading, Mathematics and Science. Students receive a score for each part and then a composite score. A student with a composite score of 23 is deemed to have “performed well” on the ACT.
Prior to the date of the exam, Vernon ISD provides a free “ACT Boot Camp” for all VHS juniors to help them prepare for the test. “The boot camp helped because they explained how the questions would be worded and how they could trick you up,” Sam said. “That’s how the boot camp helped me. It helped me understand the questions.”
For Sam, the date the ACT exam came at a very busy time. He is a member of the Roarin’ Lion Band, which was preparing for UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest, and a member of the One-Act Play that was also preparing for UIL district competition. So, studying extra for the ACT wasn’t really an option for him.
“I just focused more in the classroom so I could retain the information better,” Sam explained. “I’m lucky. I retain information easily. The key for me was just really understanding the questions.”
When Sam found out he had an ACT score of 30, he really didn’t know what to think. “I didn’t really know if it was a good score or not, but when people kept coming up to me and telling me ‘great job’ I figured it out,” he said with a smile.
One person who did know 30 was a good score was VHS Principal Cynthia Jackson.
“Sam is an exceptional student who helps to make our school better every single day. Working hard contributes to Sam being so successful in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. I was not surprised by the high ACT score,” the principal said. “VHS has a dedicated and hardworking staff whose focus is student success and growth. I am so proud of both Sam and my staff. What a great accomplishment!”
Others who were proud of Sam and his accomplishment were his parents, Paige Nuncio and Chaz Thomas. “They were excited. They knew I could do a good job, but when they found out I had a 30 and what it meant, they were really proud of me,” he said.
His parents knew Sam could do a good job on the ACT because he has always brought home good grades on report cards and on tests. Sam always hit the “Mastered” level on all of his STAAR tests and is currently the fourth-ranked student in the Class of 2025. Sam took two dual credit courses through Vernon College this year and will be taking two more dual credit courses next year.
And, Sam, who plans to major in marine biology, will also be taking the ACT again next year. “A high ACT helps with getting scholarships, and I want to see how close I can get to that top score of 36.”
Being in the Top 7 percent is nice, but don’t be surprised if Sam is among the Top 5 percent – or higher – next year.