Patrow Honored by College Board
Belleville High School senior Ava Patrow was recently awarded the National Rural and Small Town Award (NRSTA) by the College Board. Photo courtesy of Marie Perry
The start of one’s senior year of high school can be a busy time for students as they contemplate the next steps of their journey beyond graduation. For Belleville High School (BHS) senior Ava Patrow, a recent announcement from the College Board has given her a little extra something to keep her motivated as she completes her college admission essays. Patrow was recently awarded the National Rural and Small Town Award (NRSTA) by the College Board. Ava says, “I appreciate this recognition, and plan to use this award as I apply to colleges.”
To achieve this recognition, students need to have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher; a PSAT score within the top 10% in the state or an Advanced Placement (AP) score of 3 or higher on two or more AP exams in the first two years of high school; and attend school in a rural area or small town.
Ava Patrow acknowledges BHS’s support in her attaining this achievement, “I am grateful for the opportunity Belleville High School has given me to take multiple AP courses, as well as the teachers who helped me to receive high scores on the exams.”
The College Board encourages students who receive this distinguished award to highlight it on their college applications which is just what Patrow intends to do as she pushes forward to make university deadlines this fall. Receiving an award like this in a smaller high school environment is a testament to both the student’s work ethic and the caring support of the school’s educators. Belleville High School’s professional staff works to provide needed AP coursework so that students like Ava can push themselves academically and have the chance to shine.
District Administrator Nate Perry is proud of what his team of educators provides the students of Belleville. Perry notes, “At times, the achievement of students at small schools can be overlooked or overshadowed by the performance of students in larger districts. Ava is a great role model of the Wildcat Way. She is very deserving of this award.”
Ava’s work as a student at Belleville High School is something to be celebrated. Principal Lovenberg says, “We’re thrilled to celebrate Ava and recognize her for the great work she has been doing. We’re proud of her strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments like the PSAT/NMSQT/AP exams. There’s so much that makes our students unique and receiving this honor reinforces this as an asset for their future. Way to go Ava!”
So as seniors like Ava prepare their plans to leave the halls of high school behind and look to the future, they can be certain that Belleville High School has considered their aspirations. Their classroom teachers have worked to help prepare them to meet the demands of their dreams and goals every step of the way. It is an exciting time to prepare and plan for the next chapter and a great time to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2024.
