New Lenox Teen, Lincoln-Way Central Junior Lands Perfect Score On ACT

NEW LENOX, IL — A New Lenox teen and Lincoln-Way Central High School junior is celebrating after landing a perfect score—a 36—on a college entrance exam.

It was Nora Flynn's first attempt at the ACT.

Having taken a practice test at school once, Nora, 16, got to work studying—specifically focusing on the English section, she told Patch.

"I mostly practiced the English section at home a lot, and learned a lot of tips of how to do well on it," she said.

She was on the phone with a representative from the testing company when she learned of her score.

"... when I opened my score, I started screaming over the phone because I was so happy," Nora said.

"Definitely not going to re-take it."

Mom Katie Flynn said she had known Nora would perform well on the test, but couldn't have guessed just how well. Nora is joined in the distinction by classmates Hailey Coennen and Aidan Stockrahm.

"Definitely surprised, very happy," Flynn said. "I assumed she would be somewhere in the 30s, but a 36 was more than we could hope for."

As a backup, Flynn had signed Nora up for a second attempt at the test, which would have required travel, she said.

"I was going to have to take her to Wisconsin for that, so I’m pretty happy I don’t have to do that anymore," she said.

Nora—who is the oldest of three—has been a standout student throughout her academic career, Flynn told Patch. She's also very involved in the community and her school—she works at the KidsWork Children’s Museum through the Village of New Lenox.

"I really think where we live, it’s such a great community," Nora said. "Everyone is so friendly. I work at the KidsWork Museum. I get to see all the people from New Lenox and all around. It’s just great to be involved, especially with all these community events."

She also runs varsity track She is active in Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, Mathletes, Snowball and Junior Council. She’s a member of the Spanish, Science, and National Honor Societies, and recently received the Global Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish

"She’s always been a great kid," Flynn said. "Always done very well in school."

With her senior year still remaining, Nora has some time to mull her college picks.

"I would really like to go to Notre Dame," she said. "That’s the dream."

"... That’s the dream," Flynn interjected. "It’s OK to have dreams."

Other schools she's considering include University of Wisconsin-Madison, Indiana University or University of Illinois. She's unsure of her future career pursuit.

"I don’t have a specific dream job," she said when asked. "I definitely want to major something in business. Finance, analytics or something like that."

When not involved in the community, school activities, or sports, Nora enjoys spending time with her friends, shopping and swimming.

This summer, she'll work as a camp counselor at KidsWork. She'll also attend a STEM camp at DePaul University. Offered through the National Energy Education Department in partnership with Exelon, the Exelon Foundation STEM Academy is a totally free, week-long, residential leadership program for young women who are curious about energy and sustainability and eager to explore how science and technology can help solve real-world challenges

"Overall," Flynn said, "I think she’s developing into a future leader."

Nora shares the distinction with Lincoln-Way Central's Hailey Coennenand Aidan Stockrahm, as well as Lincoln-Way East's Logan Fox, Tiag Hertsberg, Kaitlyn Poidomani, Anthony Russotto and Felix Sacks. Lincoln-Way West's Ben Doggett and Ethan Ferrucci also aced it.