Two students from St. Michael Catholic High School have earned prestigious academic honors from the College Board's National Recognition Program, a nationwide initiative aimed at showcasing the achievements of high-performing students.

This year marks a milestone for the program as it expands its reach to first-generation students, in addition to recognizing rural, small-town, Black, Indigenous and Hispanic/Latino students.

According to a news release. Charles Nevin, a student at St. Michael, received the National First-Generation Recognition Award, while Natalia Pyatt was honored with the National Hispanic Recognition Award. These recognitions are designed to highlight students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and to open doors for them as they plan their futures.

"We're thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for the great work they've been doing. We're proud of their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments like the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and AP Exams," said Lisa East, Dean of Academics. "There's so much that makes our students unique, and this honor reinforces their individuality and achievements as assets for their future."

To qualify for the College Board's National Recognition Program, students must maintain a GPA of B+ or higher and achieve PSAT or AP exam scores that place them in the top 10% of test takers in their state. Eligible students are also evaluated based on their status as first-generation college students or their membership in underrepresented groups.

The program continues to grow, with more than 90,000 students nationwide being recognized for their academic excellence this year, including over 35,000 students who received the newly introduced National First-Generation Recognition Program Award. The awards help connect students with postsecondary institutions, many of which use these honors to guide their recruitment efforts.

"This year, the National Recognition Programs are recognizing more students than ever so that the outstanding academic abilities of more than 90,000 deserving students are not overlooked as they plan for their future," said Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board. "We're proud to support colleges and universities that are committed to supporting all students, and our program offers one way they can strengthen their recruitment efforts to students that will thrive on their campus."

Students at St. Michael Catholic High School, like Nevin and Pyatt, can verify their eligibility during their sophomore or junior year on BigFuture, College Board's online platform. The recognition not only highlights their hard work but also connects them with thousands of colleges and nonprofit organizations across the country as they prepare for the next stage of their academic journey.