For most students, summer is spent relaxing and doing as little schoolwork as possible, but six MHS students will be doing just the opposite during a three week academic program at Mizzou called the Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA).

Students don’t know if they have been accepted yet, but they have been nominated by the school district, which is an honor of itself. Students had to take IQ tests and write essays during the nomination process.

Arjun Devraj, sophomore, said he didn’t know about MSA until the gifted counselors selected him.

“At first, I didn’t know much about MSA,” Devraj said. “However, everyone said it’s a great experience, so I was excited about the potential opportunity.”

Even after the IQ test, Devraj was unsure if he would be chosen as a nominee, but was ultimately one of 12 students in Rockwood who were nominated. Six of those students are from MHS- a record number.

If accepted, students will live on the Mizzou campus for three weeks in June and study subjects that interest them.

Devraj said he hopes to improve his writing or focus on something math related like statistics.

“If I’m actually accepted, I’m looking forward to meeting other students from across the state and learning about whatever class I choose,” Devraj said.

JT Riordan, sophomore, was another of the six MHS students nominated for the program.

“I just figured it would be a good opportunity to learn some stuff and it looks really good on college applications,” Riordan said. “It’s just a good academic opportunity.”

Riordan said the nomination process was extensive, but he felt confident about his chances after his IQ test and his essays.

“My English teacher helped me edit them and thought they were pretty good so that really boosted my confidence,” Riordan said.

If accepted, Riordan said he is looking forward to studying something in the science field, like engineering, which he is interested in as a possible career.

Lucy Zhu, sophomore, also was nominated for MSA, and is excited for the opportunity.

“MSA will be a great opportunity to experience college beforehand; it’s a program where I can immerse myself in learning in-depth about topics that I’m really fascinated in,” Zhu said. “Plus, it’s a great way to spend my summer time.”

The process to be nominated began in January, Zhu said, and the students will find out if they were accepted in April.

Zhu said she hopes to be able to study science or technology and is looking forward to the program

“Oh my gosh, there’s just so many things I’m really anticipating from this program,” Zhu said. “But mostly, I’m really excited to experience some of the educational opportunities they will offer. And it’ll be nice to meet kids from all over Missouri.”