ACT test no problem for GHS junior

Grafton High School has had a third student achieve a perfect ACT score in as many years.

Junior Arianna Wheeler said she was in disbelief when she learned last month that she earned a 36 composite score on the college preparatory test. Approximately 0.2% of students who take the ACT earn a perfect score, according to ACT’s national report.

“I found out online, and I had to run to tell my parents (Sheri Hanson and Robert Wheeler) because I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Wheeler said she is proud of her accomplishment, but she isn’t going to rest on her laurels because she has a rigorous schedule of Advanced Placement exams this week, which include calculus AB, chemistry, psychology and English language and composition. 

Wheeler took the exam at Grafton High School in March. She credits her teachers for helping her prepare.

“The school provided us with an online test prep and I took advantage of some study sessions during school,” she said. “The school has offered a lot of excellent instruction to me in all areas.”

Outside of the classroom, Wheeler is an active volunteer at St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Grafton, plays softball and is a member of the school band, choir and competitive math team, the Math Hawks. She is also a Girl Scout.

“We are so proud of Arianna for earning a perfect score of 36 on the ACT. She contributes a great deal to Grafton High School with her work inside and outside the classroom,” Principal Scott Mantei said. 

“This accomplishment places Arianna in elite company as approximately two-tenths of 1% of all students taking the test earn a score of 36.”

Wheeler said she is researching colleges and plans to attend an East Coast school and study chemistry. She would like to pursue a career in medical research.