Two-time Scholastic All-American Hunter Hitchens, a Northwood High School senior, has been named a National Hispanic Scholar by the College Board. Presenting the award is, Saul Gleser, Assistant Principal of Northwood High School. Photos via NHS Swim Staff.
Two-time Scholastic All-American Hunter Hitchens, a Northwood High School senior, has been named a National Hispanic Scholar by the College Board, for his academic excellence. Hitchens received this prestigious distinction from the College Board, which represents the top 2% of Hispanic eligible students nationwide.
The College Board's National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) identifies academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. Each year, the NHRP honors about 5,000 of the highest scoring students from over 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Students who take the test in October of their junior year are at least one-quarter Hispanic or Latin. In addition, students who have a cumulative junior year grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher are designated as Scholars.
Hitchens, a NHS swim team captain, helped lead the Timberwolves to a 3rd place overall finish at the 2017 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Championships. Hitchens set new individual school records in the 50 (20.88), 100 (45.62), and 500 (4:33.60) freestyle events. A member of the record breaking 200 free and 400 free relay squads, holds the best-time in school history with 1:24.98 and 3:04.04. Over the past summer, he garnered US Open and Junior National cuts in 6 different events as a member of the Irvine Novaquatics National Team.
“It's such an honor to be recognized by the College Board as my heritage plays an essential role in part of who I am," said Hitchens. "It truly is an amazing accomplishment to share with all my family."
Hunter is one of the top nationally ranked college recruits in swimming for the Class of 2018 according to CollegeSwimming.com. Currently being recruited by Ivy Leagues and top universities, Hitchens plans to reveal his college choice this Fall. After he graduates from Northwood High, he plans to enroll as a premed student pursuing a major in Human Biology, Health and Society.
“Hunter is a hardworking student athlete," NHS Assistant Principal Saul Gleser said about Hitchens. "He carries a very rigorous schedule and still manages in giving time to other activities. We at Northwood High School are very proud of his accomplishments in and out of the pool."
Photo Courtesy of Mitch Mallough
