In a remarkable display of academic excellence, a group of standout students from St. Mary’s Ryken High School in Leonardtown has earned prestigious recognition from the College Board National Recognition Program. These scholars join more than 280,000 students nationwide who celebrated for their exceptional performance on AP Exams and PSAT-related assessments, placing them in the top 15% of high school students across the country. For Southern Maryland, a region known for its tight-knit communities and growing educational opportunities, this achievement underscores the talent nurtured at St. Mary’s Ryken and the promise of its young scholars.
The College Board’s National Recognition Program, administered through its BigFuture platform, honors high-performing students annually, offering awards that highlight diverse backgrounds and academic environments. This year, eligible students could claim three distinct honors: the First-Generation Recognition Award, for those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education; the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, for students from less densely populated areas like much of St. Mary’s County; and the newly introduced School Recognition Award, which celebrates academic excellence within individual school communities. These awards not only recognize student achievement but also serve as a beacon for colleges and scholarship providers seeking to recruit driven, capable candidates.
At St. Mary’s Ryken, a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school with a 40-year legacy of academic rigor, the honored students reflect the institution’s commitment to fostering intellectual and personal growth. The school, located on a sprawling campus along Breton Bay, has long been a cornerstone of education in Southern Maryland, serving students from St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert counties. Its mission, rooted in Xaverian values, emphasizes holistic development, preparing students for college and beyond. The recent recognition from the College Board highlights the school’s success in cultivating high achievers who compete on a national stage.
Students earning these awards demonstrated exceptional performance on standardized assessments, including the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or Advanced Placement (AP) exams, which are widely regarded as rigorous measures of college readiness. The process begins when students in their sophomore or junior year submit eligibility information through BigFuture, the College Board’s free online platform designed to guide students through college planning. Those who meet the academic thresholds—scoring in the top 15% nationally—are notified of their awards at the start of the following school year. For the recognized Ryken students, this honor is a testament to their hard work and the support of their teachers, counselors, and families.
The significance of these awards extends beyond individual achievement. For colleges and universities, the National Recognition Program serves as a reliable indicator of student potential, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds or regions. In Southern Maryland, where rural communities like Hollywood, Mechanicsville, and Leonardtown form the backbone of the region’s culture, the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award holds particular relevance. St. Mary’s County, with a population of approximately 114,000, is classified as a rural area by federal standards, making this award a point of pride for local students who excel despite geographic challenges.
The First-Generation Recognition Award also carries deep meaning, celebrating students who are breaking new ground as the first in their families to pursue higher education. In a region where family ties run deep, this award highlights the transformative power of education and the determination of students to forge new paths. The new School Recognition Award, introduced this year, adds another layer of celebration, acknowledging the role of St. Mary’s Ryken as a community that fosters academic excellence. This award aligns with the school’s ethos of creating a supportive environment where students are encouraged to push their limits.
For the honored students, the benefits of the National Recognition Program are tangible. Beyond the prestige of the award, recipients gain visibility with colleges and scholarship organizations actively seeking diverse, high-achieving candidates. BigFuture’s platform connects students with over 1,500 colleges and universities, as well as scholarship programs offering billions in financial aid annually. This exposure is particularly valuable for students in Southern Maryland, where access to such opportunities can bridge the gap between local talent and national institutions.
Community leaders and educators at St. Mary’s Ryken view this achievement as a milestone for both the students and the broader Southern Maryland region. The awards highlight the potential of local youth to compete at the highest levels, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a hub of opportunity. For students, the recognition is a stepping stone to future success, opening doors to scholarships, college admissions, and career paths that might otherwise seem out of reach.
As St. Mary’s Ryken celebrates its honored students, the spotlight shines on the power of education to transform lives in Southern Maryland. These young scholars, through their dedication and academic prowess, are not only earning national recognition but also paving the way for future generations in St. Mary’s County to dream big and achieve bigger.
Congratulations to the following students:
Andres, Liam School Recognition Award Annulis, Luke School Recognition Award Armsworthy, Gracen School Recognition Award Beamon, Luke School Recognition Award Bisang, Andrew School Recognition Award Carter, Joseph School Recognition Award Chadwick, Ava School Recognition Award Chi, Kyle School Recognition Award Cruz, Lauren School Recognition Award Dare, Jack School Recognition Award DeLucco, Sawyer School Recognition Award DiBonaventuro, Joseph School Recognition Award Dioguardi, Elana School Recognition Award Flores, Damian School Recognition Award Ford, Jocelyn First-Generation Recognition Award Ford, Jocelyn School Recognition Award Gavin, Evan School Recognition Award Gensley, Alyssa School Recognition Award George, Collin School Recognition Award Goodman, Olivia School Recognition Award Goul, Morgan School Recognition Award Groat, Michael School Recognition Award Guy, Kelby School Recognition Award Hudson, Joshua First-Generation Recognition Award Jahn, Lindsey School Recognition Award Kennedy, Justin School Recognition Award Kinslow, Devlin School Recognition Award Lowien, Elise School Recognition Award McGee, Samuel School Recognition Award Mudd, Georgia School Recognition Award Munroe, David Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award Munroe, David School Recognition Award Nelson, Dominic School Recognition Award Obe, Annabelle School Recognition Award Parquette, Grace School Recognition Award Pavis, Logan School Recognition Award Rollins, Brennan School Recognition Award Savvas, Louise School Recognition Award Sola, Sofia School Recognition Award Tharp, Jarrison School Recognition Award Tharp, Kendall School Recognition Award VanCuren, Madeline School Recognition Award Weilke, Amelia School Recognition Award Wilcox, Grace School Recognition Award Wilkinson, Jessica School Recognition Award Williams, Katie School Recognition Award Wood, Connor School Recognition Award Wright, Cooper School Recognition Award Wu, Chengze School Recognition Award
