As the first bell rang on April 1, signaling the start of school, the top PSAT performers of 2025 opened the doors to the Student Center and went inside to attend a special breakfast for their exceedingly high scores.
Despite its prestige, the event is relatively unknown among students. Neither junior Maximus Callis nor junior Aldrei Chua knew about it until they received an email inviting them. When they saw the invitation, though, they were delighted.
“I was like, ‘Oh yay, another breakfast,’” Chua said.
Each year, the administration invites students based on their top PSAT scores and grade point averages. During the breakfast, the students complete a survey regarding their experience at Heritage. They also provide additional information such as their GPA and the prestigious colleges they dream of attending. Through the results, Heritage can demonstrate to those considering enrollment the current students’ academic prowess, their ambition and their appreciation for the school.
Callis and Chua rated the school fairly highly for the depth of its resources. While Callis was indifferent to the task, Chua felt somewhat disappointed that he wouldn’t have the time for himself. However, he soon realized the survey wasn’t much of an issue, even enjoying filling it out.
Principal Mr. Osmel Rodriguez recognized the faces of many attendees from the weekly practice tests they took as part of the National Merit prep class, in which teachers prepare students to excel on the PSAT. After such rigorous preparation, their efforts came to fruition in the form of exceptional scores, and they were rewarded with a variety of delicious breakfast options.
Students were offered different kinds of sandwiches and a myriad of treats, including chocolate pistachio bread, muffins and cinnamon rolls. They also had several options for beverages ranging from juice to coffee.
Callis was impressed with the quality of the food—he had expected items similar to the food available during the Principal’s Breakfast. Compared to that, he said, the food offered at the PSAT Breakfast was “next level.”
His favorite part, though, was seeing his friends.
“We had the whole class period just to hang out,” Callis said.
Both the breakfast and the survey alike were intended to celebrate and highlight the “unique and special” ability of the students.
“It exposes [them] as the talent that [they] are,” Mr. Rodriguez said.
