Submitted photo Marshall graduate Georgia Rabaey earned a perfect score on the 2023 ACT test. She plans to attend the University of Tulsa for a double major in biology and music.

MARSHALL — After taking the American College Testing exam, Marshall High School graduate Georgia Rabaey knows the meaning of perfection.

Rabaey earned a perfect score on the exam for 2023. She scored 36 (the best possible total) on all four exam sections. The test covers English, math, reading and scientific reasoning.

She said she wasn’t totally surprised by her score because of the preparation she’s had in Marshall Public Schools. She noted that the ACT measures skills that begin to be taught in middle school, and then get covered in greater depth during senior high.

“I didn’t cram for the ACT,” Rabaey said. “I just felt prepared because I’ve worked hard in middle school and high school. I always wanted to master the material instead of just learning enough to pass a test.”

She said she has a middle of the road attitude toward tests. They aren’t fun, but she doesn’t feel the kind of test anxiety that affects many teenagers and that often contributes to low scores.

“I don’t enjoy tests, but I don’t mind them either,” she said. “Normally I have a good idea of my score when I finish. I felt very good about the ACT. It seemed like I knew the material.”

She credits Marshall’s advanced placement and post secondary option programs with helping to provide the kind of experiences that enabled her to expand her horizons academically.

She said she never felt bored as she went through Marshall’s grade levels. Instead each year brought new opportunities and added potential to acquire more knowledge.

“Marshall does a really good job of providing challenges to students who want them,” Rabaey said. “I always liked having new challenges. I really enjoy learning.”

In the summer of 2023 she’s completing an internship at a youth camp in Colorado. Next fall she plans to attend the University of Tulsa, where she wants to double major in biology and music. She’s leaning toward a career in medicine.

“I love biology because I get to study what God created,” she said. “Music will keep me human and provide me with variety. I’m looking forward to college.”

Marshall High School Principal Brian Jones said Rabaey is an outstanding student, both in terms of academics and in how she relates to others.

“Georgia is a very bright young lady,” Jones said. “She always treats everyone with kindness. She’s a role model for other students when it comes to how to treat people. She’s also a hard worker who’s willing to invest the time it takes to do well in her studies.”

Marshall teacher Wes Meyers, who directs the orchestra, credits Rabaey with always showing the right kind of leadership.

“She became an immediate leader in orchestra,” Meyers said. “Beyond her skill playing viola, which is considerable, she readily understood how to lead with grace and humility. She never came across as better or above anyone.”

Marshall social studies teacher Rick Purrington said he enjoyed having Rabaey as part of his advanced placement European History class.

He said she not only has a great deal of knowledge, but also has a strong desire to learn more all throughout each school year.

“Georgia is a joy to have in class because she’s a brilliantly curious student,” Purrington said.

“She’s incredibly bright but still wants to learn more about everything. It’s this thirst for knowledge that’s inspiring to her classmates and teachers.”