Throughout the state of Missouri, 100 students were selected for an academic honor which included a senior from Twin Rivers High School in the elite group.
Cameron Bleem was selected for the 2018 Missouri Scholars 100, a statewide program that honors Missouri's top academic students in the graduating class of 2018.
"A lot of sleep was sacrificed," Bleem said in order to achieve this type of academic honor.
The announcement was made by Twin Rivers High School Principal Misti Lovelace, who nominated Bleem.
"I'm very excited for Cameron," Lovelace said. "I think I was more excited than he was."
This was the first time in five years as principal and a member of the sponsor group, Missouri Association of Secondary Principals, that Lovelace had a student eligible for nomination.
"Anytime you can focus on academics and achievements, that is a positive," she said.
Bleem admitted he was not familiar with the honor, but said he was pleased to know the achievement could be added to potential scholarships or recommendation letters.
The selection is based primarily on a formula using the student's grade point average and ACT or SAT score.
Each student nominated had to first meet criteria of an "Academic Decathlon," which included 10 "events" designed to assure the academic strength of the student.
To meet the decathlon requirements, the student must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and an ACT score of 29 or SAT score of 1600.
Bleem initially made a 29 on the ACT, but increased his score to a 34 after taking an ACT prep course.
"I was able to get more of an understanding of what the questions were wanting," he said after the course.
Students must also be ranked in the upper 10 percent of the class and have taken upper-level courses in mathematics, science, English and foreign language.
"Take advanced classes so you are prepared for college and strive for a 36 ACT score," Bleem encouraged.
While Bleem admits he is his own worse critic and very competitive, Lovelace personally thinks a lot comes naturally for him in addition to his hard work.
"He strives to always do his best," she said.
The student must also have excellent attendance, be an exemplary school citizen and be involved in the school activity program.
Lovelace said Bleem is a member of Beta Club, Robotics Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and captain of the Scholar Bowl team.
He also volunteers running audio-visual equipment at his church and participates in clothing drives and the Christmas families project.
"Make sure you are doing the activities your clubs are involved with and service projects," he said.
Students were recognized at a luncheon at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia on Sunday.
Bleem attended the luncheon with his parents, Michael and Stacie, and brother, Blake, who is a junior at Twin Rivers.
While at the luncheon, Bleem realized the competition he was among after hearing 25 of the students in attendance scored a perfect 36 on their ACT.
Attendees were presented with an award, certificate and ink pen at the ceremony while being recognized on stage.
"My mom said she was very proud of me," he said.
Lovelace added the younger Bleem is also on track to receive a nomination next year for the Missouri Scholars 100. He scored a 33 on the ACT, but is waiting on his most recent score to find out if it increased.
"Students who are selected to this program have taken a rigorous course of study and have maintained the highest academic standards," Executive Director of the Principal's Association Phil Lewis said. "The Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals wants to celebrate the achievement and success of these students and their schools."