A young man with short blond hair smiles while holding an open box that reads 'You did it! Academic All-Stater.' He is wearing a blue and brown letterman jacket with patches on the sleeves. The box is yellow and green with celebratory confetti designs, recognizing his achievement as an Academic All-Stater. The background is a solid deep purple color, contrasting with his bright expression and the award box.

Congratulations to Sam Hungerford for being recognized as an Academic All-Stater!

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has named 100 public high school seniors from across Oklahoma as Academic All-State honorees for 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service among the state’s top students.

The All-State class features students from 67 schools in 62 school districts. Each All-Stater will receive a $1,500 award, an honor cord, and a medallion. To be eligible to apply, students must meet one of three criteria: an ACT composite score of at least 30; a combined SAT evidence-based reading & writing and math score of at least 1370; or be selected as a National Merit Semifinalist.

The selection committee evaluates applicants through a rigorous process that considers academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Letters of recommendation and a personal essay also play a significant role in the selection process.

Since the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence began recognizing the state’s top high school academic leaders in 1987, BHS has had 17 other Academic All-State finalists:

  • 1992: William Holloway

  • 1995: Chad Williams

  • 1996: Aaron Fortune

  • 2001: Emily Muns

  • 2006: Austin Ford

  • 2009: Brad Crofford

  • 2010: Christiana Hendricks

  • 2011: Megan McRae

  • 2012: Connor Rhodes

  • 2013: Emily Frantz

  • 2014: Haley Graft

  • 2016: Ariel Thorson

  • 2018: Justin Koonce

  • 2020: Piper Lloyd

  • 2021: Joey Morales

  • 2022: Stephanie Thanscheidt

  • 2023: Bryce Looper

Sam Hungerford now joins this distinguished group of BHS scholars, continuing a tradition of academic excellence. Congratulations, Sam, on this well-earned honor!