Lake County Gazette

Cimino has been recognized for his exceptional academic performance, achieving a perfect score on the ACT exam. This accomplishment places him among fewer than one percent of high school students nationwide who reach this level, with percentages closer to 0.01 to 0.02 percent. Jacob Cimino from Coal City High School is believed to be the first in the school's history to achieve this.

“This is not just an amazing feat, it is an unbelievable accomplishment,” stated Principal Art Stafford during a meeting with the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education on July 9.

Ken P. Miller, president of the Board of Education and former high school guidance counselor, remarked, “In my 50 years I have never seen that score, what dedication it took to do that, you are certainly to be congratulated.”

The ACT exam serves as a state graduation requirement and assesses college readiness in English, math, reading, and science. It also includes an optional writing component. Approximately 1.38 million U.S. high school students take the test each year; Illinois’ average composite score stands at 24.5.

Jacob is one of nine students in his class at Coal City High School to earn a score of 30 or higher on the ACT exam.

Superintendent Chris Spencer expressed pride in Jacob's achievements: “This is testament to your hard work, commitment to excellence, as well as the collective efforts of you, your parents, and our faculty, staff and entire school community.”

In addition to academics, Jacob participates in extracurricular activities such as band and speech and has qualified twice for IHSA State Speech competitions.

Principal Stafford praised Jacob’s character: “He is a super nice kid, the type of student we are lucky to have.” He also mentioned that Jacob scored in the top one percent on the National Merit qualifying exam.

Accompanied by his parents Rachael and Daniel Cimino at the meeting with the Board of Education, Jacob expressed gratitude for their recognition.