‘I was in utter disbelief’: Two Central High students earn perfect ACT scores
Central High School is proud to announce juniors Caleb Goldenstein and Sanay Gulati have each earned a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT. It’s an achievement accomplished by 0.2% of students nationwide annually.
Gulati, a driven and deeply involved student, serves as Student Council president, National Honor Society president, and vice president of Key Club. He has earned national recognition through SkillsUSA, Math Team, and NIU Business Olympics, and co-founded the school’s Coding and Debate clubs. Beyond academics, Gulati volunteers regularly, leads a nonprofit raising awareness for canine health, and works as a lifeguard and tutor.
“I was in utter disbelief staring at the 36. I even had to check a couple of times to make sure I was reading it right,” said Gulati. “It was an incredible moment I’ll never forget.”
Goldenstein has been a member of the CHS soccer and lacrosse teams, is a member of both the National Honor Society and German Honor Society, and is a state champion with Central’s SkillsUSA team. He participates in several academic clubs including Academic Bowl, Debate, German Club, Service Club, and Investment Club, and also earned the Seal of Biliteracy in German.
“I had spent so much time taking PSATs and preparing for the SAT that I wasn’t taking the ACT too seriously,” said Goldenstein. “I was on college visits and working on my ‘promposal’ instead of studying. It was a complete shock when I opened up the score report.”
The success of these students is a testament to their hard work and a reflection of the academic environment that Central 301 continues to foster.
“Our district has worked intentionally to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment so that students feel confident when it’s time to take college entrance exams,” said Stephen Buchs, director of curriculum. “We’re proud to see that work pay off in the achievements of students like Caleb and Sanay.”
Central 301 congratulates both students and their families on this remarkable accomplishment.