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Cimino recognized for outstanding academic achievement
Fewer than one percent of high school students nationwide earn a perfect score on the ACT exam. Jacob Cimino from Coal City High School is among this elite group. He is reportedly the first student in the school's history to achieve this remarkable academic milestone.
“This is not just an amazing feat, it is an unbelievable accomplishment,” said Coal City High School Principal Art Stafford during a meeting with the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education on Wednesday, July 9.
“In my 50 years I have never seen that score, what dedication it took to do that, you are certainly to be congratulated,” commented Ken P. Miller, president of the Board of Education and a former high school guidance counselor.
The ACT serves as a state graduation requirement and evaluates college readiness through core subjects: English, math, reading, and science. The test includes an optional writing component requiring an essay within 40 minutes. Students are given specific time limits for each section: 45 minutes for English questions, 60 minutes for math problems, and two 35-minute sessions for reading and science questions.
Approximately 1.38 million U.S. high school students take the ACT annually. According to recent data from ACT, Illinois' average composite score is 24.5.
Jacob is one of nine students in his class at Coal City High School who scored 30 or higher on the ACT—a notable achievement representing about six percent of students nationwide.
Superintendent Chris Spencer expressed pride in Jacob's achievements and those of his classmates: “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 his academic success at Coal City High School, Jacob participates in extracurricular activities like band and speech. He has twice qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Speech competition—in impromptu speaking in 2025 and extemporaneous speaking in 2023.
Stafford noted that Cimino arrives at school every day with a friendly greeting and smile: “He is a super nice kid, the type of student we are lucky to have.”
The principal expects more accolades for Jacob as he enters his senior year since he also scored in the top one percent on the National Merit qualifying exam: “He is a very strong candidate to be a National Merit Finalist.”
Accompanied by his parents Rachael and Daniel Cimino at the board meeting, Jacob expressed gratitude for being recognized by the Board of Education.
