Smith-Cotton High School senior Gabriel Toderescu-Stavila has received honorable mention recognition in the 2026 Missouri Scholars 100 program. This statewide initiative recognizes outstanding academic achievement, honoring Missouri’s top 100 graduating students.

Sponsored by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, the Missouri Scholars 100 Program invites nominations from schools statewide. Selection is determined by a comprehensive formula incorporating the student’s grade-point average, ACT or SAT scores, and participation in an “Academic Decathlon” encompassing 10 events that assess the student’s academic prowess.

According to MASSP, students must meet stringent criteria to qualify. This includes a minimum ACT score of 29 (or a minimum SAT score of 1,280), ranking in the upper 10 percent of their class, and enrollment in high-level courses in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. Exemplary attendance, outstanding citizenship, and active participation in school activities are also essential.