Olympia senior scores perfect 36 on ACT

Olympia High School senior Jaret Richman keeps himself busy. Whether it’s studying, attending karate classes and Boy Scout meetings or playing for the varsity volleyball team, Richman is having a well-rounded final year of school.

His most recent achievement is scoring a perfect 36 on the American College Testing, scoring the highest points possible in all four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and scientific reasoning.

Richman actually took the test four times hoping for the top score on the standardized test used for college admissions, he said. He achieved it on the third try, but because he hadn’t received his test scores yet, he took the ACT a fourth time, earning two 35s and two 36s for rounded-up score of 36.

He said he plans to submit both on his college applications.

His report cards for the last 11 years reflect his intelligence as well. Richman has never received a final report card grade below an A.

“It definitely comes easier to me than most kids,” he said. “But, depending on the class, I do have to study. For science classes, those come a little more naturally for me; math, too.”

Richman also has been dual enrolled and earning college credits since he was a freshman — garnering one college credit in ninth grade, three his sophomore year, six last year and, by the end of his senior year, he should have eight more.

He was ranked No. 6 in his class at the end of his junior year, and he’s hoping to be in the Top Five by the time he earns his high school diploma in May.

After graduation, Richman will continue his studies at college, most likely at the University of Florida in Gainesville, he said. He plans to apply to UF, Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, Duke University and a few Ivy League schools.

Although he’s not sure of his major, he expects it will be something related to math, possibly finance, economics or statistics.

In the meantime, while he’s still in high school, he will keep up with his studies and continue his extracurricular activities.

Richman is a starter on the school’s varsity volleyball team, is finishing up his Eagle Scout for Boy Scouts and is a black belt in karate with a local karate school.

He wanted to play basketball, he said, but the freshman team was eliminated so he tried out for volleyball instead.

“I had a handful of female friends, and a male friend who was encouraging us to go (to tryouts),” he said. “It looked fun.”

Richman started on Olympia’s junior varsity team as a freshman libero, which is a defensive specialist. Last year, he made varsity, and he’s now in his fourth year of volleyball.

“It’s just a really fun game,” he said. “I enjoy playing it. I enjoy spending time with my teammates — a lot of them are my closest friends — getting to play for my school, that school pride.”

The school’s volleyball season runs mid-February until late April; club ball tryouts are in August. He is participating on both teams this year.

His other childhood passion has been his involvement in Boy Scout Troop 223, which meets at Windermere Union Church under the guidance of Scoutmaster Ben Powell.

Richman started scouting in the first grade and has remained a faithful member ever since. He completed his Eagle project two years ago and now is finishing up his merit badges. He hopes to finish all the requirements this week.

For his project, he built a modular stage system for children with special needs attending an Altamonte Springs school. The wooden boxes can be used individually by students, or they can be connected to create a stage for performances.

Another activity in which Richman has participated for many years is karate. Now a black belt, he has been regularly attending classes at Traditional Martial Arts Center, in Gotha, under Master Brian Schmidt, Grand Master Susan Jackson and Master Eddie Snell.

“I either learn stuff from the master belts there, or I help teach the younger kids,” Richman said.

He said he likes the sense of community the center provides.

“I’ve been there for so long, and they’ve been teaching me for so many years,” he said. “I’ve really connected with them, and it’s a nice, positive force on my life.”

Richman’s brother, Evans, who now is in college, has been an equal competition partner at the martial arts school.

In his free time — yes, Richman actually has some free time — he likes hanging out with his friends; playing video, board and card games; and baking.

“I like to bake; I make a lot of cookies and brownies,” he said. “I made cinnamon rolls a couple times, I make cakes, some hand pies and puff pastry pies. But my favorite is all kinds of different cookies.”

The best dessert he has made so far was a cinnamon roll with cookies wrapped inside.

With all that Richman has achieved, he still has a plan to keep juggling his activities. He is embracing his busy schedule in his senior year — and wants to make the most of his final year.

“As for juggling high school, I think I do a pretty easy time of balancing it,” Richman said.