MADISON – Few teenagers can accomplish what David Gunther recently did. The Bob Jones High School senior managed a perfect score of 36 on the America College Test (ACT).

David Gunther earned the highest possible score on the American College Test. (CONTRIBUTED

“David is the epitome of determination. If he sets his mind to accomplish anything, it will be done if at all possible,” Sheila P. Roberts said. She works as college and career advisor at Bob Jones.

“Davis performs well academically and has challenged himself with rigorous coursework offered at Bob Jones in advanced-placement courses,” Robert said.

Gunther did study for the ACT. “I believe that is the only way to do well. Practice tests, practice tests, practice tests,” he said.

In addition, his current courses at Bob Jones “absolutely helped with taking the test. I’m taking a government class and reading a lot, which helped me on the ACT’s reading portion,” Gunther said.

The science section was most difficult. Luckily, Gunther had taken a science practice test the day before he took the ACT.

Gunther was born in Arlington, Va. His family then lived in Birmingham before moving to Madison for his father’s job. His parents are Jim and Jane Gunther. Jim Gunther is general counsel for Rizzon Furniture. David’s brother Daniel is a sophomore.

“I’m a huge cross-country and track long-distance runner. I have practice for running every day after school,” David Gunther said. He founded the Citizens of the World club, works as newspaper editor-in-chief and belongs to honor societies.

Gunther is a National Merit Semifinalist.

Last summer, Gunther interned at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and continues to work with ConversantBio. He is supporting Run to Kure Infant Disorders, a fundraiser race for HudsonAlpha’s research (rkid.org).

“My ACT score will help with getting into college and getting scholarships,” Gunther said in modest tones. “I’m interested in a lot of disciplines” and currently leans to engineering.

“David is looking at selective colleges, (which) can expect great things from him on their campus,” Roberts said.