Congratulations to University View Academy (UVA) senior Nicolas Chaney-Martinez who recently earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA) after achieving a high score on the PSAT exam. Chaney-Martinez was one of only 72,000 students across the country to receive academic honors from the College Board’s National Recognition Programs.
A resident of St. Tammany Parish, Chaney-Martinez has attended UVA since 2019 along with his two siblings. He is currently enrolled in the Early College Program where he has the ability to take dual enrollment courses. He is an active member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club.
Chaney-Martinez is also involved in his community where he currently serves as a founding member of a local speech and debate club and an intern under a retired contractor. “For me, University View Academy means opportunity,” Chaney-Martinez shared in an email. “It means the opportunity to take college credit early through dual enrollment. It means being able to score well on the test [PSAT] because I have been able to practice repeatedly. It means being able to work a job that I love on Fridays and finish my schoolwork when I get back.”
The NHRA is not the only distinction Chaney-Martinez has received in his academic career. He has previously advanced twice to the regional level in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate through his chapter of the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association. He is also taking in-person honors college courses at Southeastern Louisiana University and participating in undergraduate microbiology research through the SEA-PHAGES program. He will present his research findings at Southeastern’s Honors Showcase.
“For a parent, it’s always a thrill to watch your child grow and thrive—whether in a class, through an extracurricular activity, or on a test,” shared his mother, Kristin Chaney, via email. “UVA is a great option for families that want a public-school education but also want schedule and location flexibility and a high level of involvement with their student’s education.”
Chaney-Martinez shared that he enjoys biology, chemistry, and engineering. It is no surprise that he plans to pursue a career in STEM after graduation.
UVA is proud of Chaney-Martinez for all his educational endeavors and achievements. He embodies the virtues of an empowered and future-ready student with his incredible list of accomplishments. Be sure to share your well wishes with him on our social channels.