Dunkin York, Caroline Hodge receive College Board recognition

Current South Putnam senior Dunkin York and junior Caroline Hodge were recognized with academic honors by College Board in a program highlighting students from rural areas.

Courtesy photo

South Putnam students Dunkin York and Caroline Hodge were recognized by College Board with academic honors through its National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program.

Along with three others which highlight African American, Hispanic and indigenous identity, the programs aim to recognize students in these groups and their academic achievement.

While not a scholarship award itself, the academic honors can be included on post-secondary and scholarship applications.

“This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”

Students may be up for the programs if they score in the top-10 percent on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 in the eligible exam periods. They are also eligible if they score a 3 or higher on two or more distinct AP exams as such. They must also have a 3.5 GPA, either weighted or unweighted, at the time of application.

York’s and Hodge’s recognition is based on scores they earned last year as a junior and a sophomore, respectively.

For consideration in the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, areas are considered rural and/or small towns based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

“We’re thrilled that our students have earned this recognition,” South Putnam High School Principal Levi Yowell said. “We are very proud of them for their achievements in their classrooms and on College Board assessments.”