South Lenoir High School posted the following on their Facebook page:

Congratulations to our own Hayden Zeagler, who is one of 62,000 students from across the country to earn academic honors from the College Board’s National Recognition Programs!

These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs use these honors to identify students from underrepresented groups through College Board’s Student Search Service.

Hayden Zeagler, earned this recognition by excelling on his PSAT 10 and in the classroom.

Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town. Eligible students are invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year, and are awarded at the beginning of the next school year.

It really means a lot to me to be honored with this recognition," said Hayden Zeagler. "I'm glad that I was able to be recognized for being part of this community."

Zeagler hasn't finalized his future plans for college.

“Hayden has always been a smart kid,” said Tracie Zeagler, Hayden’s mother. “I knew he was special when he went into Kindergarten already knowing his sight words and reading on a 2nd grade level. He puts a lot of effort into his school work and it shows in the grades and his college readiness testing. I am proud of him being awarded this recognition and look forward to see what all he can accomplish in his life.”