KHS 2020 Star Student, Ryan Matthew Cummings

Kossuth High School would like to proudly announce our 2020 STAR Student, Ryan Cummings. Ryan is the eighteen-year-old son of Phillip and Leigh Cummings. This prestigious title is awarded by the Mississippi Economic Council and is given each year to the senior with the highest ACT score at his or her school. Ryan has the highest ACT score among his classmates, with an outstanding 34 composite. He also scored a perfect score of 36 in the subjects of English and Reading. This is the highest ACT score Kossuth High School has seen from one of its students in many years and is equivalent to the highest the school has had since its inception in 1909.  

As STAR Student, Ryan had the opportunity to choose this year’s STAR Teacher. This person is someone who has made a significant impact on his academic career. For his STAR teacher, he chose Mrs. Connie Blackard. She taught Ryan all throughout high school, teaching him subjects such as Algebra I, Trigonometry, and Precalculus. She also served as his Quiz Bowl coach his Junior and Senior year. Mrs. Blackard would describe Ryan as “very dependable and always willing to help.” Mrs. Blackard went on to say that, “He even came in my Algebra I classes to tutor the younger students.” She also greatly enjoyed having him in her classes and on the Quiz Bowl Team. She would like to wish him the very best in his future endeavors. We are so proud for Mrs. Blackard. What an honor!

Mrs. Connie Blackard, Math Department

Throughout his four years at Kossuth, Ryan has been very dedicated to all aspects of school. On the academic side, Ryan finished with a 4.0 GPA and was ranked number 11 of his class. He completed multiple dual-enrollment classes through Northeast Mississippi Community College, as well as an Advanced Placement class.

He was also involved in many clubs and organizations at Kossuth High School. His junior year, he joined Future Business Leaders of America and won second place at the District Competition in Business Calculations. Ryan has held various leadership positions, such as Treasurer for the Math and Science club and Captain of the Quiz Bowl team. He was a part of the mentoring program both his junior and senior year, where he had the privilege of tutoring and forming relationships with younger kids in the middle school. His senior year, he was elected by the entire student body to serve as SGA President. In addition, he was also a member of National Honors Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish Club, and Drama Club.

Not only did Ryan participate in clubs, but he was also very involved in athletics. He played football his first two years of high school. His junior year, he joined the KHS Tennis Team where he was awarded the most improved player of the year. He was also a member of the KHS Bowling Team his senior year, during which they were both Regional and State Champions.

Outside of school, Ryan is very involved in his church. He is a member of Kossuth Baptist Chruch and is very active in his youth group. Over the years, he has helped with Trunk or Treat, Fall Festival, and Vacation Bible School. This past year, he prepared a bible lesson for younger kids while on a church mission trip in Utah and delivered a speech to his entire church body.

Ryan’s future plans include attending the University of Mississippi in the fall, where he has been awarded a very generous scholarship for this award. There, he hopes to be just as involved by joining a fraternity, being a part of an on-campus ministry, and playing intramural sports. He has also been accepted into the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and Trent Lott Leadership Institute. He will double-major in Accounting and Public Policy and eventually go on to law school.

Congratulations on your accomplishments, Ryan! Kossuth High School is so proud of you, and we wish you the best in your future!