Dec. 11—ANDOVER TOWNSHIP — A Pymatuning Valley High School student was honored, along with fellow students, Monday morning after earning a perfect score on an Americanism test.
Austin Dean answered all 50 questions correctly on the test, designed to determine high school students’ knowledge of the country and its laws.
“I am interested in history,” Dean said. “I like knowing how the world has evolved over time.”
Dean said he studied some for the test after finishing first in his class as a freshman, sophomore and junior. He said there was also an essay portion of the contest.
American Legion Percy D. Hyatt Post 226 Commander Bob Hitchcock said he has been involved in the contest for 30 years, and has never seen a perfect score.
Hitchcock and other Legion representatives provided certificates to the students with the top two scores in each grade. He said the test provides students with the challenge of answering questions about the country’s government and the institutions that comprise it.
Dean said he missed four questions last year and earned a trip to Washington D.C., but did not go.
The American Legion sponsors the trip for students who do well on the test regionally. Hitchcock said the Pymatuning Valley High School students will compete with high school students from Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga counties.
Dean said he used a study book provided by the legion and reviewed old tests.
“We are very proud of Austin and the work he has done, as we are with all our students who prepare for this test,” Pymatuning Valley High School Principal Mark Mollohan said. He also praised the social studies department, including Dave Miller, Jerry Bales, and Dan Jackson, for their work helping students learn about the country’s history and how it functions.
“It makes the Legion feel good that the Pymatuning Valley High School history department is doing a good job,” Hitchcock said.
The Legion presented a $500 check to the Pymatuning Valley music department for the work the band does at Memorial Day services and other veteran-related events.
Hitchcock said the organization wanted to provide special recognition for the program for their hard work. Pymatuning Valley High School Band Director Justin Dye said he appreciates the gift, and tries to keep community service at the front of the program’s priorities.
He said the money will likely be used for extras on a band trip to Disney World in March.
Hitchcock said the post is compiling information banners honoring locals veterans. The flags will cost $150.000 and should last five years.
Applications may be obtained from Hitchcock at 440-293-7166 or William French at 440-645-8278.