THOMASVILLE- Thomas County Central High School students continue to prove that learners from smaller rural areas are just as academically exceptional as those from larger urban or suburban locales.

Seven TCCHS seniors recently earned the College Board’s National Rural and Small Town Award: Brady Whatley, James “Wyatt” Petrey, Kristopher Wilhelm, Layla Rosario, Megan Barnes, Teddy Cone and Thomas “Owen” Petrey.

“We have phenomenal students, and these awards offer opportunities for them to be identified by universities seeking to build a student body representing diverse backgrounds,” TCCHS AP Coordinator Erin White said. “We are delighted to celebrate their efforts and accomplishments!”

This award recognizes academic achievement. A student must hold a 3.5 or higher grade point average and have an outstanding score(s) on the PSAT/NMSQT and/or Advanced Placement exams.

“I’m very excited to be recognized by the College Board for my efforts,” Megan Barnes said. “Lots of time and effort is put into our AP program at school, so for my efforts in testing and studying to be recognized is very rewarding to me.”

Teddy Cone feels honored that the College Board acknowledged him for his academic achievements. He’s most proud of his GPA.

“This is because I came into TCCHS with goals, and I have steadily reached and surpassed each one of them,” Cone said. “These goals include my grades, upon which I monitored and toiled away at for my time in TCCHS, never settling for something that I could do better.”

Barnes also feels an affinity toward her GPA.

“… Having a high GPA is something for me to be proud of because it shows your actual understanding of the course material throughout the year,” she said. “Even if you do poorly on the AP exam, having a good score in the class is something to be proud of as well.”

Layla Rosario said she’s most proud of her PSAT (and final SAT) score because it best illustrates her progress throughout high school. This recognition helps her feel more accomplished as she can add it to her list of achievements for her college applications.

“Everyone walks their own path, and it may not necessarily include national recognition, but boy does having that recognition make you feel good about yourself,” she said.

These students believe having a designated award for pupils from rural communities is an excellent idea.

“Rural scholars must work harder and search more diligently for resources to learn their material as compared to large areas,” Cone said.

Barnes agrees.

“I think it is important for small towns and rural areas to be recognized because all of the bigger communities get more resources than we do,” Barnes said.

Nor do the students forget the adults who helped them attain this honor. Cone said TCCHS has an excellent staff that has helped lead him to this and other achievements, including the late music educator C. Michial Mayhall, who never let Cone settle for less than his best.

“While in his classroom, I was constantly learning and intaking knowledge from his wise words,” Cone said. “He would always inspire me to work to be better as a person, only ever competing with myself, never with other people. This ideal has led my mindset for now and forever. Without the work ethic Mr. Mayhall instilled into me, I would not be where I am today.”