PreACT Rising Stars Program Debut

By Mrs. Susan Etheridge, Director of Academic Advising 

This year, NRCA had the privilege of celebrating an exciting new national recognition initiative from ACT called the PreACT Rising Stars Program. Designed to encourage early preparation for the ACT and to recognize strong academic performance, the program highlights students who demonstrate exceptional achievement as early as 9th grade.  

Last fall, ACT surprised NRCA with a shipment of medals and certificates honoring students who scored in the top percentiles nationwide on last year’s PreACT. From there, the idea of a recognition ceremony was born.  With such an impressive number of students earning recognition, NRCA arranged to celebrate their achievement and encourage continued growth. The ceremony lasted approximately 20 minutes but carried lasting significance.  

Students were recognized in three categories: 

• Distinguished Scholars – Top 5% nationally 

• Rising Scholars – Next 10% nationally 

• Early Scholars – Next 35% nationally 

  
  

Fifty-five NRCA Early Scholars received certificates of recognition, and 19 Distinguished and 30 Rising Scholars were presented with medals and certificates. In all, approximately 80% of NRCA’s PreACT test takers scored in the top 50% nationally. 

At NRCA, all students take the PreACT in both 9th and 10th grade as part of a deliberate strategy to practice for the 11th grade ACT, build confidence, develop strong testing habits, and provide early insight into college readiness. NRCA's philosophy is that test scores do not define a student’s worth but can create opportunities, strengthen college applications, and open doors to merit-based scholarships. 

The ceremony served not only to honor current award recipients but also to motivate this year’s 10th graders as they prepared to take the PreACT again in March and to inspire 9th graders as they began their own testing journey. As shared during the ceremony, achievement is not about comparison but about consistent effort over time and faithful stewardship of one’s gifts. 

NRCA is proud of these students and grateful for the partnership of parents and teachers who continue to encourage excellence rooted in faith.