01 Oct 2017 Morrilton student earns a score of 36 on ACT
Story and photos
by Sonja J. Keith
Morrilton High senior Hannah Russell has achieved something impressive that officials think is a first for the school. She scored a 36 on the ACT – the highest possible.
Beginning in her sophomore year, Hannah has taken the test six times. Her first score was a 30, followed by a 32, 33, 34 and 35. Her ACT test in September scored a 36. While she was excited to earn the initial 30 on the first exam, a 36 was always in the back of her mind.
“It never seemed impossible to me,” she said. “I wasn’t daunted by it. I was determined to get it.”
While other Morrilton High students have scored a 35, the school has done some research to determine Hannah appears to be the first with the highest score. “They are 99.99 percent sure I’m the first with a 36,” she said. Hannah explained that the scholarships are pretty comparable for a 35 or 36, but the distinction of being “first” was important to her.
Hannah hopes that achieving a 36 will help break barriers and empower others who might think academic success is limited in a small, rural area. “This is what a student from Morrilton can do,” she said. “I’m happy, not only for me, but for our school.”
A daughter of Jeff and Holly Russell, she has been a student in the South Conway County School District since kindergarten. She has three younger sisters: Haylee, a junior at Morrilton High School; Julie, a sixth-grader, and Allison, a fifth-grader, both at Morrilton Intermediate School.
The ACT Test has four sections – English, reading, math and science – and is administered over four hours, typically on a Saturday morning.
Hannah said there wasn’t one particular section she liked more or less than the others. “They all have things I like about them and they all have things I don’t like about them.”
Even though she is taking a heavy class load, Hannah wants to enjoy everything possible her senior year. “I never get tired of school,” Hannah said. “I just love constantly learning.”
In addition to her studies, Hannah is the drum major for the Devil Dog Marching Band and has an ensemble part in the school play. She also participates in Beta Club and Puppies to Dogs, a year-long program which pairs Morrilton High seniors with kindergarteners to learn about school and develop school spirit.
“I’m a Devil Dog for life,” she said. “I love Morrilton.”
Hannah is also one of four high school students in this year’s Leadership Conway County program.
“In everything I do, I seek to glorify God,” Hannah said, explaining the importance of her faith. “I appreciate the people God has put in my life and the talents he’s given me.”
Currently ranked No. 1 in her class, Hannah has a 4.1857 grade point average. She plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas and would like to study in the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College. She said her 36 on the ACT qualifies her for a full tuition scholarship, with other scholarships possible.
Her plans are to pursue a bio chemistry degree and attend medical school. “I just want to be able to help people and help heal them,” she said.
A Devil Dog to the core, Hannah recognizes what her accomplishment conveys about the quality of education available in the school district.
She said other students, including her sister Haylee who scored a 30, have also had high ACT scores. “A good education is available here, if the student will push themselves,” she said.
