Students recognized for academic excellence

By: 
STAFF REPORT

 

Nine Reed-Custer High School students have joined the ranks of thousands of students statewide recognized for outstanding academic achievement.

The Comet seniors were named last month as Illinois State Scholars.

On the list at RCHS were Michael Babjak, Alexa Cieslak, Jackson Crater, Casey Cromp, Maggie Meyr, Steven Patterson, Klayton Schott, Thomas Sforza, and Marissa Williams.

Reed-Custer’s outstanding academic minds join more than 21,000 students from 757 schools statewide as 2019-20 Illinois State Scholars. These exceptional students rank in approximately the top 10 percent of high school seniors in Illinois and are chosen each year based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.

“In this 60th year of the Illinois State Scholar Program, we are proud to announce another class of outstanding students that will lead us into the future," said Eric Zarnikow, executive director of The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). “We congratulate these Scholars on their hard work and accomplishments. Congratulations also and thank you to the families, principals, teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, and all of the other individuals who not only help our students find the path that will allow them to flourish, but also support them every step of the way.”

While this prestigious designation does not include a monetary award, Illinois State Scholars will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC and a personalized Certificate of Achievement. Honorees can also download a digital Illinois State Scholar badge that can be displayed on their online profiles and social media platforms, and shared with high school counselors, prospective colleges, employers, family members and others.

Illinois State Scholars are honored based on the year that they begin postsecondary education, not on their graduation year.

The ISAC’s mission is to help make college accessible and affordable for students throughout Illinois. ISAC provides comprehensive, objective, and timely information on education and financial aid for students and their families — giving them access to the tools they need to make the educational choices that are right for them. Then, through the state scholarship and grant programs ISAC administers, ISAC can help students make those choices a reality.

A complete list of the 2019-20 Illinois State Scholars can be found on ISAC's website, www.isac.org.