Two More Students Earn Perfect ACT Scores

Jonas Doerr and Maggie Johnston, both juniors, achieved the highest possible composite score on the ACT: a perfect 36, out of 36 possible points. Nationally, only about two-tenths of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score. This was the first time the students took the exam.  TMJ4's interview with Jonas and Maggie here, shows how the students prepared for the test.
“We thank God that Jonas and Maggie’s hard work and dedication have paid off with this impressive academic achievement,” said Mr. Phil Leyrer, principal. “And we’re grateful that their passion for learning extends beyond the classroom. Both of these students are active in a number of cocurricular activities, and they also are living their Christian faith by quietly serving others.”
 
Doerr, the son of Rev. Christopher and Mrs. Carrie Doerr, plays trumpet in the WLHS marching band, jazz ensemble and brass ensemble. He is a member of the drama club and sings in Inspiration, one of the school choirs. Doerr also participates in the school’s book club and competitive math team. In the community, Doerr volunteers at Camp Phillip, which is a Christian summer camp for youth, ushers at church, and plays piano and trumpet for services. His home congregation is Garden Homes in Milwaukee.
 
Doerr said he was hoping for a high score but didn’t expect to achieve a perfect score on his first try. His study plan was equally low key.
 
“I took a couple practice exams,” Doerr said. “One of the blessings God has given me is the ability to take tests, and I feel like my classes have kept me on my toes.”
 
Johnston, the daughter of Rev. Dr. Wade and Mrs. Tricia Johnston, tutors students in math and plays varsity softball for WLHS as a starting pitcher. Johnston received an All-Conference Honorable Mention as a sophomore from Woodland West Conference last spring. Her home congregation is Nain Lutheran in West Allis.
 
When asked for advice on taking the ACT, Johnston recommended that students check in with their school’s guidance department.
 
“I studied using resources that my guidance counselors gave me,” Johnston said. “The practice exams and test-taking tips helped me understand the format of the test and prepare my strategy, which made me less nervous because I knew what to expect. I recommend making time to study,” she added. “But don’t stress out about it too much.”
 
Doerr and Johnston are still deciding which colleges they want to attend after graduation.
 
“We’re proud of the academic rigor, engaging classes and personal attention that our teachers provide to each student,” said Rev. Dr. Kenneth Fisher, president, Wisconsin Lutheran High School. “The number of perfect ACT scores our students have earned in recent years is a reflection of that commitment and the hard work our students, faculty and staff put in every day.”
 
Two students from Wisconsin Lutheran’s class of 2018 also earned perfect ACT scores: Elisha Doerr and Nathaniel Wranovsky. Elisha is studying at Harvard College in Cambridge, Mass., and Nathaniel is studying to be a pastor at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn.
 
The national ACT composite score for 2018 graduates class was 20.8, the ACT reports on its website. Of the 1.9 million students who took the exam nationally in 2018, only 3,741 achieved the perfect score of 36, according to ACT.
 
The ACT is a four-part exam with sections in English, math, reading and science that are each scored on a 36-point scale. The composite is the average score of the four sections. Colleges and universities typically review ACT scores as part of determining admissions and scholarships. High scores — especially over 30 — increase the likelihood a student will be offered admission and scholarships to top-notch institutions.
Back
Phone: 414-453-4567  |  Fax: 414-453-3001