When Grayslake Central student Parker Postol saw his ACT score, he didn’t believe it at first.
“I was pretty surprised,” Postol admitted. “I hadn’t aced the practice tests, but mostly, I was just glad I could stop studying for the SAT.”
Lillian Abney, a student at Grayslake North, had a similar reaction.
“I was absolutely astounded,” Abney said. “I felt like I had done well on the ACT, but I didn’t expect it to this degree.”
Two students. Two perfect scores. And a whole lot of preparation, persistence, and pride.
Postol’s path to a 36 was partly shaped by focused SAT prep, skills he said transferred smoothly to the ACT. His AP Language class sharpened his grammar and reading, while AP Biology gave him confidence in the science section. But if he had a secret weapon, it was the Math Team.
“I’ve been on the Math Team for a few years,” Postol said. “We learned formulas and techniques that helped on the ACT, and I got used to solving harder problems, so the test didn’t feel as difficult.”
Teachers like Mr. Ault, his Math Team coach, and Mr. O’Connor, his AP Biology teacher, made a lasting impression. “Mr. Ault makes difficult content easy to understand,” Postol said. “And I really enjoyed Mr. O’Connor’s class, especially the trip to Loyola Medical School.”
Abney’s preparation looked different. She enrolled in North’s ACT prep class, where she picked up practical strategies, including how to streamline answers in the English section. Her AP courses built a strong academic foundation, but it was her experience in AP Biology with Mrs. Remshak that stood out.
“Mrs. Remshak’s teaching helped me figure out the best study strategies for me,” Abney said. “And my history classes at North really improved how I understand passages and analyze sources.”
That combination of rigor and reflection is already opening doors. This summer, Abney will intern at AbbVie in bioinformatics, stepping directly into the field she hopes to pursue in college: biology, focusing on genetics.
Postol also plans to enter a STEM field, though he’s still narrowing down his focus. What’s clear for both students is that their preparation and passion are already shaping promising futures.
When asked what advice they’d give to other students, both emphasized steady effort and practice over cramming.
“Do a lot of practice tests,” Postol advised. “And try to get used to the testing environment and the pace. That makes a big difference.”
Abney agreed. “Don’t underestimate your regular classes. They really do give you the skills you need. And those free online ACT practice tests are great for getting familiar with the timing and question types.”
Their accomplishments are personal, but they also reflect something bigger: the strength of the learning environment at Grayslake D127, where students are encouraged, challenged, and supported every step of the way.
Postol and Abney didn’t just ace a test. They’re showing what’s possible when drive meets opportunity, and their story is one we’re proud to celebrate.