Perfection times ten! The Niles City Schools Board of Education recognized ten students at its August meeting for achieving perfect scores on Ohio State Tests administered during the spring of 2026.
“This is the first time in my tenure with the district that we have had this many perfect scores on state testing,” said District Testing Coordinator Toni D’Urso. “There are more than 600 public school districts across the state with hundreds of thousands of students testing. For our district to have ten students who tested perfectly is an extraordinary accomplishment. To say we are incredibly proud of these students, their families, and their teachers is an understatement.”
The students recognized for their perfect scores include:
- Franklin Bassett – Grade 5 Math | Score: 804
- Lillian Baugh – Grade 3 Math | Score: 818
- Milo Biviano – Grade 4 Math | Score: 835
- Mia Burns – Grade 5 Math | Score: 804
- Kingston Clay-Dunn – Grade 3 Math | Score: 818
- Merliah Lagunay – Grade 5 ELA | Score: 848
- Mackenzie Mechling-Coursen – Grade 7 Math | Score: 806
- Kya Miller – Grade 3 Math | Score: 818
- James Trunick – Grade 5 Math | Score: 804
- Greyson Wiseman – Grade 3 Math | Score: 818
Testing coordinators with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center say fifth grade math was one of the top areas and grade levels with perfect scores in the county.
Ohio State Tests are administered each spring to students in grades 3 through 8, along with end-of-course assessments for high school students. The assessments measure student achievement of Ohio's Learning Standards and include a variety of question types designed to assess students' knowledge and understanding.
While each student's path to success is unique, the perfect testers shared a common theme: preparation, focus, and hard work throughout the school year.
For James Trunick, now a sixth grader, staying focused during classroom instruction helped him prepare for the test.
“I paid attention in class and did what I was supposed to do,” Trunick said.
Receiving a perfect score made him feel “proud” and “smart.” When he learned his score, his reaction was simple: “Dang! Are you serious?!”
Greyson Wiseman, now a fourth grader, said the work he completed in class also helped him prepare. Although he felt confident after taking the test, he was still surprised by his results.
“I was so happy, I couldn’t wait to tell my mom,” Wiseman said. “It feels amazing [to get a perfect score]. Math is my favorite subject.”
Other students shared similar excitement about their accomplishments.
Mia Burns, now a sixth grader:
“Getting a perfect score on my state test feels really good! All of my hard work was worth it and I am so proud of myself!”
Kingston Dunn, now a fourth grader:
“It's pretty cool and I'm proud of myself!”
Milo Biviano, now a fifth grader:
“I was really happy and it made me feel like I learned a lot.”
Lillian Baugh, now a fourth grader:
“It felt good and made me feel like I am doing good in school. It made me happy that I made people proud and I am proud of myself!”
Kya Miller, now a fourth grader:
“I was really excited when I found out and I am proud of myself!”
Behind these accomplishments is a year-round commitment from Niles City Schools educators to provide instruction aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards and to give students the knowledge and skills they need to demonstrate what they have learned.
Perfect scores are an exceptional accomplishment, and the district is proud to recognize these ten students for their dedication and achievement.