Marist Junior Kenny Dewes Achieves Rare, Perfect 36 ACT Score

The Oak Lawn teen and St. Catherine of Alexandria graduate hopes to pursue aerospace engineering and work for NASA.

By Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff

Apr 28, 2026 11:36 am CDT

Kenny Dewes, 17, who recently achieved a perfect 36 composite score on the ACT, was on his way to junior prom when his mom took this picture. (Courtesy of Catherine Dewes)

OAK LAWN, IL—An Oak Lawn teen earned a top composite score of 36 on a recent ACT. Kenny Dewes became, at last count, the tenth Marist High School student—eight since 2016—to earn a perfect score on the ACT, an entrance exam used by colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.

On average, only 0.5 percent of ACT test-takers achieve a perfect ACT score. Out of the 1.8 million students who took the ACT last year, less than 4,000 earned a composite score of 36.

The son of Jason and Catherine Dewes, Kenny, 17, a junior, is a member of the competitive Marist math team and has taken many first-place wins. The St. Catherine of Alexandria graduate also plays trombone and is a section leader in Marist’s marching, concert and jazz bands.

He’s currently considering his college options, and his perfect ACT score is likely to open a few collegiate doors. Dewes’ career goal is to work for NASA and study aerospace engineering. Perhaps he’ll take a ride on ARTEMIS to the moon.

“Although achieving a perfect score was his goal, I think he was surprised that he actually achieved it,” his mom told Patch.

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