‘Pillar’ in FSHS community

By John Veasey
Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT January 08, 2009 12:39 am

— Last year Jonathan Turner, as a high school junior, took the ACT college admission and placement exam and scored “only” a 33.
A score of 36 is the highest score possible on this test.
The average composite score for the national high school graduating class of 2008 was 21.1 out of 36.
Jonathan, a senior at Fairmont Senior High School, thought he could do better and took the test again this year.
He did do better. He maxed the test.
And how much of an accomplishment was this — scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT?
Typically, fewer than one-tenth of one percent of all test-takers earn the top composite score. Jonathan was one of only two West Virginia students to earn a 36 during the October 2008 test date.
And just one of 59 in the entire country.
Did he ever consider making a perfect score?
“Actually I did think about doing this,” he said. “I took it last year and was not satisfied with my score. So I decided to take it again, and I just felt much more prepared. A lot of standardized testing is just being comfortable with the testing format. This time I finally achieved what I wanted to.”
Upon learning just how rare perfect scores were, he admits he didn’t realize this at all.

Norman excited
Fairmont Senior principal Chad Norman appeared even more excited than Turner over his achievement.
“What a great kid!” Norman exclaimed. “He’s the epitome of a student involved in the fine arts and a student-athlete. What a wonderful product of supportive parents, dedicated teachers, going all the way back to kindergarten, and he’s to be commended for his conscientious and dedicated approach to his goal.”
Norman pointed out that Jonathan is a well-rounded student — being a member of the swim team and being musically inclined as well. He was one of the soloists at the recent Madigral dinner in December.
“He’s a pillar in our school community, He’s well-rounded, multi-talented, musically inclined and has won several individual titles on our state-title swim team,” Norman said.
The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. Each test is scored on a scale of 1-36.
In a letter recognizing this exceptional achievement, ACT chief executive officer Richard L. Ferguson pointed out that Jonathan should have a choice of the widest possible range of future educational options. ACT scores are accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities.

Secret divulged
What is Jonathan’s secret behind his success?
“It’s really just knowing how to manage your time,” he says. “The time restraints are so quick. You have to know how to make the most of each moment.”
The curriculum-based achievement exam helps determine a student’s ability to successfully take on challenging college-level course work.
Does Jonathan have his college selected?
“I have applied to WVU, Wheeling Jesuit, Harvard, and MIT,” he says, noting that Wheeling Jesuit was included because of the swimming opportunities that it offers.
And one may wonder just how many grades Jonathan has had over the year that were not A’s.
“I’ve never had a B,” he answered.
No one would expect him to have had one either.
Jonathan’s proud parents are both doctors — Dr. Tom Turner and Dr. Candace Chidester.
E-mail John Veasey at jcveasey@timeswv.com.

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