In a remarkable achievement, Mario Hoover, a junior at Providence-St. Mel High School in Chicago, has become the first student in his school’s 42-year history to score a perfect 36 on the ACT. This accomplishment places him among the elite less than 1% of students nationwide who achieve this score.
Hoover’s journey to this milestone is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Maintaining a 3.9 GPA while taking four Advanced Placement (AP) classes, he balanced his rigorous academic schedule with a variety of extracurricular activities. Hoover is not only a scholar but also an athlete, a musician, and a committed volunteer. He participates in the concert choir, runs track, engages in debate, and offers his time at a local hospital and the Boys and Girls Club.
The Path to Perfection
The road to achieving a perfect score was paved with determination and strategic preparation. Hoover enrolled in an ACT prep course and took several practice exams. His first attempt at the ACT resulted in a score of 29, but he was undeterred. By pacing himself and focusing on his weaker areas, he improved significantly and achieved the perfect score on his second try.
Reflecting on his success, Hoover expressed his surprise and elation: “When I first saw the score, I was surprised. I was exalted, astounded.” His mother, Zippora Collins, shared the same astonishment, recalling her reaction to seeing the perfect score: “This is a 36! I’m like, Mario, is this real?”
A Legacy of Excellence
Principal Timothy Ervin, a Providence-St. Mel alumnus, praised Hoover’s achievement, highlighting its significance not just for the school but for the broader community. “He is the future of Black history, in the sense that he has made history here in the present and that’s going to live on forever,” Ervin remarked. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the school’s history of academic excellence, where high ACT scores are common but a perfect score had remained elusive until now.
Beyond Academics
Hoover’s accomplishments extend far beyond the classroom. His involvement in music, athletics, and community service reflects a well-rounded character and a commitment to making a difference. He is an all-state musician and an active member of his community, which has fueled his aspirations to become a neurosurgeon.
Inspiring others is at the core of Hoover’s message. “I want others to know that they can do the same. We are all capable of more than we think we can do,” he told Fox32 Chicago. This philosophy drives him to excel in his endeavors and encourages others to push their boundaries.
Looking Ahead
With his sights set on Columbia University, Hoover plans to major in neuroscience and minor in music. This summer, he will further his academic pursuits by attending a two-week program for high school students at Oxford University in England.
Mario Hoover’s story is not just one of personal achievement but also one of inspiration. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance, preparation, and the belief in one’s potential. As he continues to break barriers and set new standards, Hoover stands as a role model for students everywhere, showing that with hard work and determination, extraordinary goals can be achieved.
Andrea Dalzell, an African American woman from New York City, has made history as the first registered nurse in New York State who uses a wheelchair. Known as “The Seated Nurse,” Andrea’s journey from a young girl diagnosed with transverse myelitis to a trailblazing nurse and prominent disability rights advocate is nothing short of inspirational.
Diagnosed with transverse myelitis at the age of five, Andrea has faced pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis for most of her life. By the age of 12, she was wheelchair-bound. Despite these challenges, Andrea never allowed her disability to define her or limit her ambitions.
Andrea pursued her passion for nursing at the City University of New York, College of Staten Island, where she earned her degree. However, after graduation, she faced significant obstacles in securing a nursing position. Many hospitals doubted her ability to perform nursing duties from a wheelchair, leading to 76 rejections before she finally landed her first job.
Throughout this arduous job search, Andrea did not sit idle. She worked in various roles, including health director and case manager, to support herself while continuing to apply for nursing positions. Her perseverance paid off when she became New York State’s first registered nurse using a wheelchair. Read more about Andrea here.
