HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Susan Burton
Communications Director
Paris, TN- Cole Edwards, a senior at Henry County High School scored a perfect 36 on his ACT, a standardized test used by post-secondary institutions to evaluate how ready a student is for college. To put this score in perspective, the average score for Tennessee’s 2023 graduating class was 19. Furthermore, the ACT National Profile Report found that only 0.18% of all test takers scored a 36 in 2023. The entire system is very proud of his accomplishment!
With a perfect score on his ACT, Edwards hopes to attend either Purdue University in Indianapolis, Indiana or the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Both schools have popular computer science programs. “At this point, it’s really going to come down to which school will award the most scholarships so that my education is paid.” Edwards wants to study computer science but is not sure which field. He hopes to have internships that will help him decide. “I like programming or design but will see where internship experiences will take me.”
When asked what advice he has for other college-bound students looking to improve their score, he recommends students figure out their strengths and then build on that prior knowledge. He also suggests taking Algebra II and Pre-Cal courses to help raise math scores. “Besides the higher math courses, I read a lot, too. Make sure you know your grammar! I would tell everyone, don’t get discouraged if you do badly the first time. There’s variation in the test each time it’s offered. Just keep trying.”
Edwards is the son of Chad and Samantha Edwards of Paris, who also own Mineral Wells Animal Clinic. Edwards is involved in several extra-curricular activities including the HCHS band. He plays the euphonium (brass instrument) in the band and is also section leader. He has played since the 5thgrade when he was a band student at Lakewood Elementary School. He’s also a member of the DECA Club and the Science Club and is looking forward to a work-based learning opportunity with Denton Jordan’s IT team at the high school.
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Photo: Cole Edwards outside of the HCHS band room where he was rehearsing with fellow students.