1 Point Short On First Attempt, New Lenox Teen Tries Again And Aces ACT

NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox teen and Lincoln-Way Central incoming senior first took the college entrance exam ACT in December 2024—and fell just one point shy of a perfect score.

Aidan Stockrahm decided that he'd try again in April, and got to work. If he could get a 35, maybe he could get a 36, he thought. With one attempt complete, another seemed less daunting.

"That really eased my nerves for this one," he said, "because there wasn’t as much pressure for it. I looked at the old test, looked at areas I was weak at, and reviewed that stuff.

"I guess it paid off."

Aidan went on to become one of 10 Lincoln-Way District 210 students to achieve a perfect score in the April sitting of the ACT. Others included his Lincoln-Way Central classmates Nora Flynn and Hailey Coennen, as well as Lincoln-Way West's Ethan Ferrucci and Ben Doggett. Lincoln-Way East also had five achieve perfect scores: Logan Fox, Tiag Hertsberg, Kaitlyn Poidomani, Anthony Russotto and Felix Sacks.

Aidan was "so surprised," at his score, which Principal Dr. Beth McNamara personally shared with him after he'd had trouble accessing his score online.

"The principal called me down, and had the score report on the table," he said.

"When I was little, I thought I’d be the one getting the perfect score, but I didn’t think it would come true. It was surreal for me."

Aidan's mom Angela Stockrahm said the score reflects his dedication to academics and love for learning. When she and Aidan's father Jason had learned of his 35 score late last year, they wanted t make sure he didn't feel pressured to test again.

"When we saw he got a 35 in December, we were proud," she said. "Aidan loves to learn, he loves to study, loves to read. Very involved with the learning aspect in school. We told him there was a test in April. We didn’t want to put pressure on him."

But Aidan saw that 36 was just a point away, and had to try.

"I knew it was somewhat in my reach," he said. "If I’m going to sit through a 3-hour test, I might as well try to beat my own score."

Hearing his score on the second attempt, Angela was in awe.

"When he came home and told us what the principal told him—Aidan could not access his score—I don’t think the word was 'shock.' You just never thought you’d meet someone that got a perfect score, let alone it be your son."

The score caps what is already an impressive high school career for Aidan. He's on the executive board of National Honor Society and Science Club; he's also in the Spanish National Honor Society. He's involved in student council, as well as Best Buddies and Peer Helper programs. He's in Environmental Action Club, and Animal Volunteers Club. He is in Knight Pride Leadership, as well as Link Crew and Welcome Crew. He serves as the school's District 210 Board of Education Student Representative. He also played soccer.

Aidan is the second youngest of four siblings. Older sister Alexis is heading into her junior year at Butler University in Indianapolis. Older brother Jamison is a senior at Lincoln-Way Central, and will attend the University of Illinois in its Grainger College of Engineering. Aidan's younger sister Julia will be a sophomore at Lincoln-Way Central.

Having tagged along with his older brother on college visits, Aidan said he's considering Northwestern University and the University of Chicago as his top two choices.

"Aidan—he'll be next to leave," Angela said, "and I'll cry my eyes out."

He hopes to study biochemistry on the pre-med track, with the goal to attend medical school. He aspires to be an oncologist.

All of the Stockrahm children have matriculated through New Lenox District 122 schools, then also attending Lincoln-Way Central. Angela said the district communities have been key in their success.

"When Dr. McNamara called us, she said she wanted to congratulate us," she said. I’ve always said—you go off to school for 6-7 hours a day. Teachers, staff, bus drivers, they all play a role in who these kids are. With our four, we’ve had such amazing teachers in New Lenox.

"They helped create the adults that they are, about to go out into the world. As much as I want to take all the credit, it truly was first (Aidan) himself, then the school districts that are just amazing around here. We’re very grateful for everyone."

Feeling accomplished with his score, Aidan, too, said his school leadership inspired him to push for the extra point.

"... I think, in part, it was for Dr. McNamara, too."