Gov. Pillen, Nebraska Department of Education Recognize 52 Students for Top ACT Scores
Today, Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) hosted a ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda to recognize graduates from the class of 2026 who achieved a top score on their ACT college entrance exam.
"Earning a perfect score of 36 on the ACT is an extraordinary accomplishment. These students represent the very best of Nebraska," said Gov. Pillen. "Setting a new record of 53 perfect ACT scores reflects the strength of our schools, the dedication of our educators and families, and the remarkable talent of Nebraska's young people. I hope each of these students know that Nebraska needs their leadership, innovation, and determination. Our state is full of opportunity, and we want them to build their futures right here at home."
NDE Commissioner Dr. Brian Maher joined the Governor to recognize the students for their outstanding accomplishments.
"Achieving a perfect ACT score is a testament to both the exceptional academic dedication of these students and the strength of our Nebraska school communities," said Commissioner Maher. "This milestone is a gateway to boundless opportunities. I am incredibly proud of these scholars not only for their academic mastery but for the bright futures they are building. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make as they move into their next chapters."
Historically, on average, less than one-tenth of one percent of students score 36 on the ACT. This year 52 Nebraskans in the high school graduating class of 2026 achieved that accomplishment. One student earned a perfect score twice. This is a significant increase from 33 students in 2025.
The University of Nebraska offers the Nebraska Presidential Scholars Program that will cover tuition, fees, books, housing and all other costs of attendance, plus a $5,000 annual stipend, for any Nebraska student who scores a perfect 36 on the ACT.
Elkhorn South had the most students with top scores in this year’s graduating class (7).
The graduating students who earned a top score are:
Hamzah Alsaleem, Creighton Preparatory School
Lucas Askew, Millard West High School
Ava Benner, Kearney High School
Will Berryman, Elkhorn South High School
Frank Bomberger, Lincoln High School
Carter Buell, Rock County High School
Sue Chong, Lincoln North Star High School
Kolby Coon, Fremont Senior High School
Emerson Depew, Elkhorn North High School
Carson Deprez, Elkhorn High School
Ryan Dong, Millard North High School
Stephen Fisher Iii, Elkhorn High School
Gideon Fox, Millard West High School
Adelan Gholami, Central High School
Isaac Hamilton, Southern Valley Junior Senior High School
Gary Hao, Millard West High School
Given Hatch, Gretna High School (Earned 36 on two separate exams)
Jack Hayes, Auburn High School
Jinyee Huang, Elkhorn South High School
Thanishka Inti, Elkhorn South High School
Arnav Jain, Millard North High School
Cameron Johnson, Millard North High School
Gopika Kalisetti, Millard North High School
Rhana Kang, Elkhorn South High School
Abby Kruse, Lincoln High School
Annabelle Kumm, Home School.
Marc Louthan, Millard North High School
Mason Mercer, Elkhorn North High School
Alexander Morrison, Elkhorn High School
Miles Pensick, Roncalli Catholic High School
Collin Pierce, Skutt Catholic High School
Jaxson Pigg, Mount Michael Benedictine High School
Jaxon Powell, Ashland-Greenwood High School
Dylan Rapp, Bennington High School
Noah Robb, Lincoln East High School
Jihye Seo, Lincoln East High School
Jackson Skaggs-Rowser, Ralston High School
Alexander Stoy, Home School.
Sam Stracke, Elkhorn South High School
Stewart Umberger, Randolph High School
John Paul Uptmor, Creighton Preparatory School
Anagha Vemmelesseril, Millard North High School
Bingyi Wang, Westside High School
Verity Wegener, Lincoln High School
Jonathan Wiesenfeld, Elkhorn South High School
Roosevelt Wilken, Millard South High School
Adah Wisnicki, Lincoln High School
Jackson Wondercheck, Norris High School
Johnathan Wu, Elkhorn South High School
Violet Yuill, Westside High School
Grace Zhang, Auburn High School
Xavier Zimmerman, Mount Michael Benedictine High School