The following article was provided by Bob Satnan, Communications Director for Sedalia School District 200.

Smith-Cotton High School seniors Aaron Hughes and Hunter Sparks have been selected for the 2020 Missouri Scholars 100, a statewide program that honors 100 of Missouri's top academic students in the graduating class of 2020.

Missouri Scholars 100 is a program sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. Schools across Missouri were invited to nominate candidates for this statewide recognition. The selection is based primarily on a formula using the student's grade-point average and ACT or SAT score. Each student nominated first had to meet criteria of an "Academic Decathlon," which included 10 "events" designed to assure the academic strength of the student. The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.750, a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1,600, be ranked in the upper 10 percent of the class and have taken high-level courses in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. The student must also have excellent attendance, be an exemplary school citizen, and be involved in the school activity program.

Clark Mershon, executive director of the principals' association, said, "The Missouri Scholars 100 Program is one of the most premier academic recognition programs in the country. It is truly a celebration of learning. Students who are selected to this program have taken a rigorous course of study and have maintained the highest academic standards. The Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals wants to celebrate the achievement and success of these students and their schools."

Smith-Cotton Principal Wade Norton said, "The Missouri 100 is a designation for the most elite minds in each year's graduating class. The rigorous standards seniors must meet just to be considered ensure those honored are the best of the best. We are so proud of Hunter and Aaron for earning this accomplishment."

More From AM 1050 KSIS