Columbia — Owensville High School senior Jadan Zelch has been distinguished as one of the top academic students in the state through the 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program.

This statewide initiative, organized by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of 100 outstanding students from the graduating class of 2025.

The announcement of Zelch’s selection for this esteemed academic honor was made by Kris Altemeyer, principal at Owensville High School. The recognition will culminate in a special luncheon hosted at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia on Sunday, May 4.

Missouri Scholars 100 is a competitive program that invited schools across the state to nominate candidates based on academic excellence. The selection process employs a formula considering the student’s grade point average and ACT or SAT scores. Nominees must meet the criteria of an “Academic Decathlon,” successfully navigating 10 challenging academic events to showcase their scholastic strength.

To qualify, students must hold a minimum GPA of 3.750, a minimum ACT score of 29 or a minimum SAT score of 1,280, rank in the upper 10 percent of their class, and engage in advanced coursework in mathematics, science, English, and foreign language. Additionally, nominees must exhibit excellent attendance, exemplary citizenship within the school, and active participation in the school’s activity program.

“The Missouri Scholars 100 Program is one of the premier academic recognition programs in the country,” said Clark Mershon, executive director of the principals’ association. “It is truly a celebration of learning. Students selected for this program have taken a rigorous course of study and maintained the highest academic standards. The Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals wants to celebrate the achievement and success of these students and their schools.”

The 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program marks its 31st annual recognition, reflecting a longstanding commitment to honoring academic excellence.

Zelch is the ninth OHS student to earn Missouri Scholars 100 recognition. Prior recipients included Ella Wright (2019), Zach Finley (honorable mention in 2017), Katelynn Schulte (2016), Cody Goggin (honorable mention in 2014), Claire Smith (honorable mention in 2013), Michelle Wehmeyer (2012), Hillary Mitchell (2011), and Lisa Dawson (2010).