Springfield High School Students Named National PreACT Rising Stars

EUGENE, OR – Forty-five students at Springfield High School have earned national recognition as part of the first-ever PreACT Rising Stars program, a new initiative from ACT that highlights academic promise and college readiness among students in grades 7 through 9.

The Rising Stars program honors students who score in the top 50% of all U.S. students taking the PreACT 8/9 exam, a preparatory assessment that offers early insights into ACT performance. Designed to support long-term academic planning, the PreACT 8/9 helps students and educators identify strengths, growth areas, and potential college pathways.

“More than anything, we want to support conversations between students and their families, educators, and guidance counselors about what’s next after high school,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “Students who take the PreACT also have the opportunity to connect with colleges and scholarship agencies, which can expand their postsecondary options.”

Springfield High School Principal Jose da Silva praised the recognition as a testament to students’ dedication and potential.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding performance on the PreACT and for being recognized through the Rising Stars program,” said da Silva. “PreACT is not just a practice test—it’s a powerful tool that builds confidence and helps students develop essential skills for their academic journey.”

Award Levels and Student Recognition

ACT recognizes PreACT Rising Stars at three levels:

• Distinguished Scholars Award – Top 5% of test takers
• Rising Scholars Award – Top 6–15% of test takers
• Early Scholars Award – Top 16–50% of test takers

At Springfield High School:

• 4 students earned the Distinguished Scholars Award
• 6 students earned the Rising Scholars Award
• 35 students earned the Early Scholars Award

All award recipients will be notified and presented with certificates. Distinguished Scholars will receive a gold medal and certificate, Rising Scholars a silver medal and certificate, and Early Scholars a certificate of achievement.

“The Rising Stars program helps identify students’ strengths early on and encourages conversations about future pathways,” said Adrienne Dieball, ACT’s senior vice president of measurement research and development. “It’s an opportunity to build momentum for success in high school and beyond.”

For more details on the PreACT Rising Stars program, visit act.org/rising-stars-awards. To learn more about the PreACT assessments, visit act.org/preact.

Springfield High School’s next PreACT and ACT testing day is scheduled for October 28, 2025. More information about test preparation, resources, and scheduling will be shared in the fall.