NATCHEZ — Harrison Burns knew he needed a high ACT score to get the college scholarships he was after.

And he did.

In fact, Burns scored so high he was named Cathedral High School’s STAR student.

But it wasn’t just the 30 he earned that landed Burns his award.

Three other students at the school also scored 30s on the exam.

Since there was a four-way tie, the school used composite scores on the test’s various categories to reveal the winner.

And when the scores were tallied, Burns came out on top.

“I’m just really excited to have won,” Burns said. “It’s a really good feeling.”

And Burns’ high score on the exam was no accident.

He said to make sure he got the highest possible score he took practice tests before the actual exam.

“I wanted to make sure I did well,” he said.

But a look at Burns’ scheduled and it’s hard to see where he could have found time to practice at all.

He’s a peer minister, member of the National Honor Society and plays on the school’s football and soccer teams.

And staying busy is all part of his plan.

“I have to have something to do,” he said. “I feel like if I lay around I’m not going to get much accomplished. I think it’s going to give me a better work ethic and prepare me for the future.”

Burns’ former advanced chemistry teacher, Amanda Jeansonne, said students like Burns are part of the reason she loves teaching.

Burns selected Jeansonne as the school’s STAR teacher.

He said her ability to translate advanced chemistry into easily learnable facts makes her his favorite teacher.

“She’s so easy to talk to and she’s always willing to help,” he said. “She’s an amazing teacher.”

After graduation Burns plans to attend Clemson University and study either engineering or medicine.