NATCHEZ — Beating the state average ACT score might be enough for most students, but one Natchez High School junior is still reaching for the stars.

Nigel Dent, 16, received a 31 overall score on his ACT test. The average composite score for students in Mississippi in 2014 was 19.

He currently plans on taking the test again with the aim of getting a 34.

“I personally feel like I can always do better,” Dent said. “I like to challenge myself.”

When he’s not taking the ACT, Dent serves as the vice president of Beta Club, a member of the National Honor Society, Math Club and Youth Leadership Natchez.

He received straight As on his October report card, and loves reading and writing. When he gets older he’s considering a career as a journalist.

His English 3 teacher Detranell Brinkley said Dent is an excellent writer and a high achiever.

“He wants a 100 on everything,” Brinkley said.

And while his mother, Wanda Dent, said Dent is a competitive person, she said he also likes to see others do well.

Dent took his ACT exam on Oct. 24. It was the first time he’d taken the ACT, having only taken a practice ACT in the eighth grade.

Two weeks after, Dent saw his score posted online. He scored a 34 in English, 27 in math and a 31 in both science and reading for a composite score of 31.

The 2014 Mississippi averages were 18.8 in English, 18.3 in math, 19.4 in reading and 18.9 in science.

“I was very excited,” Dent said. “I was over the moon, as some people say.”

But a good score hasn’t kept Dent from planning on taking the test again. When Brinkley congratulated him on his score, he said he wanted to get a 34 the next time.

“I was speechless,” Brinkley said.

Brinkley said she knows most students will settle for a 17 or 18, and it’s “off the charts” that he wanted to keep going.

And while the possibility exists that he might score lower the second time around, Dent said colleges will accept his highest score and he hopes he at least maintains his current score.

“I always look to the future,” Dent said.