ATLANTA, Ga. -- The National Society of High School Scholars has announced that home-schooled student Ryan D. Turnewitsch, of St. Clairsville, has been recognized for superior academic achievement and selected for membership.

The society recognizes top scholars and invites students who have achieved superior academic excellence.The announcement was made by NSHSS Founder and Chairperson Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.

“On behalf of the NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Ryan Turnewitsch has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Nobel. “Ryan Turnewitsch is now a member of a unique community of scholars -- a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”

“Our vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources, and opportunities,” said NSHSS President James Lewis, “We aim to help students like Ryan Turnewitsch build on their academic successes and enhance the skills and desires to have a positive impact on their local and national community.”

Formed in 2002, the National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and encourages members of the organization to apply their unique talents, vision and potential for the betterment of themselves and the world. Currently, there are more than 300,000 Society members in over 120 countries, according to a news release.

Turnewitsch is the son of Chris and Alisa Turnewitsch of St. Clairsvile. Soon to begin his junior year in high school, Ryan has been home schooled since kindergarten. In addition to his home education, he has actively been involved for 11 years in the area's local home education organization, Ohio Valley Christian Home Educators (OVCHE). Ryan has participated in numerous community service activities as well as many other programs and events the support group offers to area home school students.

A member of the Wheeling Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ryan is involved in various ministries and presently serves on the church's administrative board.

Ryan said his career ambition is to study and become a physician of naturopathic medicine after graduation in 2011.