Perfect Score On Sat Nearly Went Unnoticed Lake City Now Has Twice As Much To Brag About

One of the nation’s 453 best students slipped unassumingly into classes at Lake City High School this fall.

So the discovery that senior Christy Jordan had landed a perfect score on her entire Scholastic Aptitude Test has sent school officials scurrying to alert media of the academic standout in their midst.

Jordan, who moved to Coeur d’Alene in June from McMinnville, Ore., took her SAT’s while at her Oregon school. She didn’t miss a single question.

Coeur d’Alene school officials didn’t know that when they notified local media last week that Lake City High School senior Tony Russo had received a perfect score on the math portion of the SAT.

Jordan, an articulate, humble new student, didn’t bring her scores to school staff’s attention after being passed over for recognition.

“I’m not an ostentatious person,” she explained. Rather, her SAT scores were requested as part of routine questioning during senior career/college planning sessions.

“She just casually mentioned she had gotten 1,600,” said Lake City High School Counselor Donna Goodwin, who then confirmed her scores through school records.

“It’s a combination of outstanding test-taking skills and a great academic background. She will be one of our valedictorians.”

Jordan is one of 453 students to ace the exam, which more than 1 million students take each year.

While Jordan said she’s a little uncomfortable with the resulting attention, she admits it’s nice to be known for something as a new student.

Neither student had any special preparation for the exam, they said, apart from the basic practice worksheets.

Russo, son of Guy and Randi Russo of Coeur d’Alene, has been recognized for his academic achievement in MathCounts and North Idaho College’s math competition.

He had a notably high - but not flawless - SAT verbal score. He plans to study engineering, but also is interested in computers, arts, theater and debate.

Jordan, daughter of Dan and Nancy Jordan of Coeur d’Alene, participates in band, cross country and track. She hopes to major in chemical or electrical engineering and minor in French.

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