Omoye Ehimare, senior, was pleasantly surprised when she was informed she was eligible for the National African American Recognition Program.

“I didn’t know it existed in the first place, but it was just cool to be able to get that recognition,” Ehimare said.

Ehimare was one of three students at MHS to receive an award from the College Board National Recognition Program. 

Julia Welker, A+/testing coordinator, said the program offers recognition to underrepresented students who identify as Black, African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Indigenous or attend high school in rural communities. These students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and a high score on the PSAT or AP tests.

“College Board initiates the invitation to apply for a recognition program,” Welker said. “All students who were invited this year did submit their application.”

Welker said the recognition award is an academic honor, and students can include it in college applications and resumes.

“College Board is wanting to offer more opportunities for underrepresented populations in regards to post-secondary plans,” Welker said.

Anna Hill-Jones, junior, is another student who received an award from the National African American Recognition Program.

Hill-Jones said when she was first informed she was eligible for the program after receiving emails from the College Board, she was incredibly proud.

“I was really excited, and surprised too. I guess I just wasn’t expecting it.” Hill-Jones said.

Hill-Jones felt it was important she, as an African-American student, was able to receive recognition for her hard work and success in school.

“I feel like there’s usually not a lot of opportunities for people in African American communities,” Hill-Jones said. “ I’m just glad that I did get an opportunity to win an award like this.”

Isabella Oliver, senior, received the National Hispanic Recognition Program. Oliver first learned of the program when she was informed by her counselor that she was eligible.

“I was mentioning how I was Hispanic, and she told me there was a really good program for that.” Oliver said. 

Oliver said she was proud to be one of the few students who recieved the award.

While the program doesn’t offer any money, Ehimare said she is still excited to see how it will benefit her future as she attends USC.

“It’s just cool to know that the hard work I put into school is getting recognized.” Ehimare said.