WACO, Texas — A Midway High School senior is a part of the nations top scorers on the American College Testing test. Johnathan Melichar scored a perfect 36 on his ACT, that is the highest possible composite score anyone can make on the test.
“I'm so proud of him he is the smartest guy I have ever met hands down,” said Ashlyn Melichar, Johnathan's older sister.
"[Ashyln is] one of the smartest people I've met in my life,” Johnathan replied.
Along with Johnathan, Ashyln also made a perfect composite score on the ACT years prior.
"I hoped for a good score," said Johnathan. "But I guess I didn't really expect a 36 necessarily."
The two siblings achieved what less than 1% of over 1.3 million U.S. high school seniors who took the ACT in 2023.
Their bond only got stronger with age, but now they share something else that less than one percent of people achieve.
"There is no limit on anything he can do anything," said Midway High School Chemistry Teacher, Krystle Moose. She started working with Johnathan his freshman year.
"Jonathan, making a 36 is absolutely incredible.," Moose said. "But even more incredible is how he applies it to the real world."
She had both Johnathan and Ashlyn and watched them continue to grow. “It’s just been incredible. It’s incredible every day.”
Beyond both making a perfect score on the ACT, Johnathan and Ashyln experienced something many will never understand.
"Our mom died when we were younger, but she was absolutely instrumental in making us love learning," said Ashyln.
The Melichar's hope to make their mom proud. Ashyln is currently studying biomedical engineering at Texas A&M University.
Johnathan is undecided on his university choice. However, he plans to either study electrical or computer engineering.
"Can't help but think she would be proud," Johnathan said.
In addition to his perfect ACT score, Johnathan is a National Merit Commended Student. He was recognized for scoring among the top 3% in the nation on the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Johnathan is also a member of the National Honors Society, competes statewide in UIL Science and an AP Scholar with Distinction for his outstanding performance on multiple AP Exams, According to Midway ISD.