Nationwide — Last year, Keng-Kenneth Smith, a seventh grader at the Academy of Innovation in Vicksburg, Mississippi, earned perfect scores on both the ELA and math sections of the MAAP State Exam. His scores — 699 in both subjects — were confirmed at the start of the school year and celebrated by his teachers and family. It’s not the first time Keng has excelled in statewide testing; he also earned a perfect 599 in math as a fifth grader.
According to Vicksburg News, the son of Kenneth and Lowanda Smith, Keng is an all-around standout both academically and athletically. He is a member of the WCJH Little Blue Band under Mr. Ratliff and Dr. McMullen and recently earned a spot on the WCJH Basketball Team coached by Mr. Swartz. Beyond school, he plays travel baseball and is already a two-time state champion and two-time MVP in two different states, with over 20 championship wins in just four years. He also enjoys playing chess and plans to join the Academy of Innovation Chess Club this year.
During MAAP Exam Week from April 22 to April 26, 2024, students across the Vicksburg Warren School District took their state assessments. Keng’s math teacher, Mr. Ratliff, personally handed him his scores on August 8 and praised him in front of the class, saying, “There was only one perfect score in that math class, and that score belongs to Mr. Keng.” He also announced that Keng achieved a perfect score in ELA as well.
Keng’s achievement was further confirmed by Beechwood Elementary Principal Mr. Adams, who enthusiastically stated, “Yes, he did in fact make a perfect score of 699 on Math and 699 on ELA. I knew he could do it. I never doubted he would do it. I’m proud of him!”
A graduate of Beechwood Elementary’s G.A.T.E.S. program under Ms. Sanders, Keng finished sixth grade in May 2024 with numerous honors. His awards included the highest averages in math, science, and ELA for both semesters, a participation award from the Society of American Military Engineers, and a Top Ten finish in the district chess tournament. He maintained straight A’s throughout the year and had been on the A/B honor roll from first through sixth grade.
“Keng is a leader! We are truly proud of Keng and his many accomplishments at such a young age,” said his mother, Lowanda Smith. “We pray he will continue to strive for perfection in everything he does.”