BRANSON, MO (September 8, 2022) - Students from Branson High School have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs.

These National Recognition Programs grant students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.

The following Branson High School students have been awarded the National Rural and Small Town Award (NRSTA): Houston Myer, Isaac Badshah, Kylah Burkleo, Parker Garrison, Warat Vijitbenjaronk and Zachary Burton.

“We’re thrilled that our students have earned this recognition. We are very proud of them for their achievements in their classrooms and on College Board assessments,” said Branson High School AP Coordinator and Freshman Counselor, Sarah Loyd.

Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town. Students are invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year and are awarded at the beginning of the next school year, in time to include them on their college and scholarship applications.

“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”