Deven Osceola’s efforts at Mount Dora Christian Academy have paid off. His score in the winter MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) tests for mathematics, reading, language usage and science were in the top 10 percent of all students nationwide and showed a 10 percent or higher gain in one of the four subjects.

The 10th-grader’s accomplishments were recognized in front of family and friends at the school’s academic awards ceremony March 3.

“He scored really well,” said Ruth Osceola, Deven’s mother. “He was surprised and said last year he didn’t try, but this year he’s really putting in the effort. It takes dedication and focus.”

Osceola said Deven loves school and excels at math, science and history, but has a passion for music. He plays piano, has been a percussionist in the school band for six years and creates electronic dance music under the stage name Panthreks. Deven plans to pursue music at Full Sail University after he graduates high school.