This year, 15 students from West Lauderdale are Eminent Scholars. This qualification is met when a student scores over a 29 on the ACT. This is an impressive feat—the average ACT score is 19, so achieving over a 29 is truly something to be celebrated.

Among them is Ava Wilkerson, who achieved an impressive ACT score of 30 and maintained a 4.0 GPA. She plans to attend Mississippi State University to study biology and later pursue medical school. Reflecting on this accomplishment, Wilkerson shared:

“It’s all worth it. I can remember how many hours I spent studying—getting home from softball and studying, not thinking it was worth it. But now, with my score, I can get into any college I want, so it was worth it.”

Another exemplary student, Corvin Dunkerson, will be enrolling at the University of Southern Mississippi with a focus on forensic science. He expressed gratitude, stating:

“It means a lot [to me] because it’s recognizing all of the hard work and dedication we’ve all put into getting a good ACT score.”

The recognition of WLHS students as Mississippi Eminent Scholars is a testament to their hard work and the supportive environment cultivated by our educators and community. As these scholars embark on their higher education journeys, they exemplify the academic excellence that the MESG program seeks to promote.