By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

After Nathan Beggs scored a 36 on his ACT in 2021, his sister Caroline wondered if she could find a way to also earn the test’s highest score.
As it turns out, mission accomplished for the Everest junior as the younger Beggs put up the same 36 recently.
“I definitely wanted to get a 36, but I did not expect it at all,” Beggs said. “My older brother Nathan got a 36 two years ago, and we’ve always been in friendly academic competition with each other. One of my main motivations was seeing if I could match his score.”
Beggs said getting the 36 has meaning to her as academics have always been important to her, behind only her family and her religion.
“From a young age, my parents were always reading to me and even having me do a little bit of schoolwork every day during the summers to keep up my skills,” Beggs said. “They didn’t pressure me to get certain grades or scores, but they encouraged me to do the best I can with my abilities.”
Everest has also played a key role in Beggs’ academic success.
“Everest has taught me to give my all in every aspect of my life,” said Beggs. “The atmosphere at Everest is one that sees failure as part of learning and is a safe place to explore and grow. Every teacher has been available and even happy to answer any questions I have, and I wouldn’t be the student I am now without them.
“The thing that has helped me succeed the most academically is using as much time in class as possible to work on my assignments, and then not procrastinating after school. I’ve also learned that it’s better to wake up early to work on something than to stay up late to complete it.”
This year, Beggs took AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and AP United States History, and self-studied for the AP Microeconomics exam.
She is also on the varsity softball and volleyball teams at Everest and plays club volleyball and travel softball.
This spring, she also acted and was an assistant director for her tenth drama production at Everest. Beggs is also a member of the Outreach Club, which organizes service opportunities in the community, plays percussion in the school band, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Involved in a great deal, Beggs wants to keep that trend going once she graduates Everest in 2024.
“After high school, I am not sure what kind of career I want, but I know I want to make people’s lives better,” said Beggs. “I have been interested in environmental studies because I’ve lived on a small farm my whole life and have grown to love taking care of nature. I’ve researched many universities all over the country and am excited to apply this fall.”

PHOTO: Caroline Beggs makes time at homne for her dog, Coco. Photo provided