Marion, Indiana – Marion High School is celebrating a remarkable achievement as twelve of its students have earned national recognition from the College Board. These honors highlight the dedication, talent, and hard work of students who have excelled academically while preparing for the next steps in their educational journeys.
Seniors Grace Carpenter and Derrick Simmons-Lollis both received the School Recognition Award, while senior Lennon Cordell earned not only a School Recognition Award but also the First-Generation Recognition Award. For all three of these seniors, the recognition marks a second consecutive year receiving a College Board award, having been honored in 2024 with the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award.
Seniors Gary Freiburger and Elijah Inskeep distinguished themselves even further by receiving all three College Board honors this year: the First-Generation Recognition Award, the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, and the School Recognition Award. Juniors Aliya Cruz, Tate Duncan, Alyssa Earnest, Gabe Fisher, Micah Hawkins, Mary Herrington, and Jethe Paduga also earned recognition, receiving both the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award and the School Recognition Award.
“These awards recognize these students’ hard work to prepare for college, and we are proud of them!” said school officials. The awards are more than just accolades—they signify outstanding academic achievement and help students stand out in the competitive college admissions process. In addition to honoring students, the program connects recipients with colleges and universities nationwide, creating potential scholarship opportunities and facilitating recruitment through the College Board’s Student Search Service.
The College Board National Recognition Programs are designed to support students from groups historically underrepresented in higher education. Eligible students can apply during their sophomore or junior year if they meet criteria such as a GPA of 3.3 or higher, strong performance on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP exams by the end of 10th grade. Students can verify their eligibility through BigFuture and receive their awards at the start of the following school year.
Founded in 1900, the College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to higher education and promoting excellence and equity in education. Its programs, including the SAT, Advanced Placement, and BigFuture, support more than seven million students each year as they plan for college. The College Board also serves educators and schools by providing research, advocacy, and resources to help students succeed.
For Marion High School, these honors reflect both individual dedication and a supportive educational community. The recognition of twelve students this year underscores the school’s commitment to preparing students for college and beyond, and it offers a glimpse of the bright futures that lie ahead for these high-achieving Hoosiers.
