Malow Junior High School eighth grader Tommy Collins is one of 200 high-achieving students honored for outstanding performance on a college entry test usually administered to high school juniors and seniors.

Collins was honored at the 14th annual HATS OFF recognition program, a statewide awards ceremony held May 19 to recognize the top scoring students who participate in Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search.

The students who were recognized have received extremely high scores on a college entrance exam, either the SAT or ACT, while in sixth through eighth grades.

The 200 honored students were offered the opportunity to write a tribute to educators who influenced their achievement and invite them to the ceremony. Collins honored Malow assistant principal Janice Fusco.

The SAT and ACT tests are administered annually to approximately 5,000 Michigan middle and junior high students who demonstrate high academic ability. These tests are the same exams taken by high school junior and seniors as part of the college admissions process.

Nationally, more than 100,00 middle school and junior high students participate in the program. Eight Midwestern states, including Michigan, participate through the Midwest Academic Talent Search at Northwestern University.