As graduation season approaches for the Madison High School Class of 2021, one MHS senior is celebrating a well-earned achievement.
Kuran Suluki recently scored a 30 on his ACT, with a score of 36 being the highest mark possible. Suluki scored a 32 in English; 31 in reading; 28 in science and 24 in math in order to finish with the overall score of 30.
MHS Principal Lucille Lovette said Suluki didn’t let a school year heavily disrupted by COVID-19 deter him from his goals.
“I am extremely proud of Kuran and his academic achievement,” Lovette said. “He is truly a model student at Madison High School. COVID-19 did not stop learning at Madison High. Through dedicated teachers, staff and students, it’s our goal to excel in education at every level.”
Suluki himself said the high mark on the ACT will certainly aid him reaching his overall academic goals, but added he could not have excelled as he has without help from his teachers.
“First off, I am very fortunate to have many people who helped me reach this point,” Suluki said. “Scoring a 30 on the ACT was only possible because of the people who not only helped me, but shared the goal with me. I want to thank my mother and grandmother for paying for the test multiple times and driving me to and from school on those Saturday mornings.”
Suluki selected as his “Star Teacher” Nancy Johnson, a retired English teacher from Vicksburg who has spent 51 years in the classroom, and spent 2021 teaching English and reading.
“I feel that Ms. Johnson was the crucial factor in helping me, as she taught me every concept tested in both the English and reading sections of the test,” Suluki said. “My scores in these two sections alone were big achievements that I am proud of. This score is a reminder that I am prepared for whatever path I choose to take.”
Johnson said seeing the success of students like Suluki is a reminder of how important a teacher’s job truly is.
“He is my daily bright light in the classroom,” Johnson said of Suluki. “Kuran is obedient, dedicated and he has a great knowledge. It was a joy to teach him English and reading.”
After graduation, Suluki said he plans to attend either LSU, Louisiana Tech or the University of Louisiana-Monroe with possible majors ranging from engineering to English and journalism.
Suluki has also been chosen as “Star Student” for the MHS graduating class of 2021, for being the student with the highest ACT score.
His advice for his fellow students, as it relates to the ever-important ACT test: take it early and often, in order to get a feel for the process and work toward improving scores.
Suluki is son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenyatta Suluki and the grandson of Mrs. Hazel Suluki.