Cathedral High School in Natchez, Mississippi, has recognized senior Whitman DeVrient as its STAR Student for the current academic year. This prestigious title is awarded based on students’ performance, particularly their ACT scores and grade point averages, alongside other academic achievements. With an impressive ACT score of 33 and a super score of 35, DeVrient not only boasts the highest ACT score among his peers but also ranks among the top in GPA.
The STAR Program, sponsored by the Mississippi Business Alliance (MSBA), aims to celebrate academic excellence and highlight the impactful role of teachers in student success. Each STAR Student designates a STAR Teacher who has significantly influenced their educational journey. DeVrient selected his mathematics teacher, Coach Craig Beesley, for this honor.
Academic Excellence and Future Aspirations
“Choosing my STAR Teacher was a very difficult decision,” DeVrient expressed. “I’m very lucky to have all of them. But Coach Beesley is our highest-level math teacher for the high school, and I feel he is the best choice because he’s the most logical and sensible person. Plus, he’s helped me quite a bit through my classes. AP Calculus is not as easy as you’d think.”
Beesley reciprocated the praise, stating, “It has been my privilege to have Whitman as my student. He is very detail-oriented and prefers to understand concepts rather than just memorize information, which is crucial for calculus.”
As DeVrient contemplates his future, he has not yet made a definitive choice regarding his college destination. His two leading candidates are Mississippi State University and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He mentioned that the numerous scholarship opportunities at Mississippi State are appealing, especially given his ACT score and GPA. “I didn’t expect RIT to be such a significant option either, due to their generous residential scholarship of over $30,000,” he added. “There’s a real possibility I could be going to upstate New York instead. It would be a nice change of scenery.”
Passion for Engineering and Community Involvement
DeVrient aims to study mechanical engineering with a minor in computer science, a combination that positions him well for future career opportunities in fields like robotics and computer coding. “I want to have a balance of hardware and software knowledge to enter the workspace with,” he explained. “I see myself working more on the robotics side of things, programming and designing factory equipment. I want to find a career that is AI-proof.”
His interest in computers has been lifelong, rooted in a desire to understand technology beyond mere entertainment. Outside of academics, DeVrient is actively involved in the National Honor Society, Key Club, and serves as President of the Student Government Association. He has also participated in the Quiz Bowl and golf teams during his time at Cathedral High School. When not engaged in school activities, DeVrient enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family.
Whitman DeVrient is the son of Mark Adam DeVrient and Brandy Nicole Moore. His achievements reflect not only his dedication to academic excellence but also a commitment to making a positive impact in his community and beyond.