WHS seniors earn rank of State Scholars

Every year thousands of Illinois high school Seniors compete in the State Scholar Program sponsored by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. This year Wilmington High School had seven members of the class of 2024 named Illinois State Scholars.

Students are awarded based on ACT or SAT test scores and their sixth semester class size and unweighted class rank. Each awardee receives a congratulatory letter, a Certificate of Achievement and statewide recognition in the news.

This is a very honorable award for both the students and Wilmington High School. To show the success of these exceptional students, WHS hangs photos of the awardees on display near the high school entrance.

Wilmington High School’s 2024-2025 Illinois State Scholars are:

Claire Lenart is the daughter of Alicia and Jeffrey Lenart. Throughout her four years she has been involved in Band and Choir as well as Math Team.
Claire has also been a stage manager for two years, and a member of Varsity Golf for three years. In 2022 Claire was awarded as a Collegeboard commended student.
Following graduation Claire will attend Saint Mary’s in Notre Dame, Indiana and will major in pre-med.

Emma Grace Strong is the daughter of Elizabeth and Chris Strong. Throughout her four years she has been in Student Council as both a Sophomore class rep and Secretary, as well as Volleyball.
She has been in National Honors Society and Interact for two years. She has also been on the Math Team. Following graduation Emma Grace will attend Illinois College to continue her Volleyball career, and major in pre-med or Biology.
Emma Grace says, “Becoming a state scholar has been amazing because all of my hard work these past four years has paid off.”

Giana Stahulak is the daughter of Sarah and Brandon Stahulak. She has been in National Honors Society for two years, and this year she holds the position of President.
She has been in Tri-M Honors Society for three years, and President for two years. She has been in band all four years, and has been section leader for two years.
She has been in Scholastic Bowl for three years, Spanish Club for two years, and Varsity Softball for four years. After graduation Giana plans to attend Southern Illinois University to study Biological Sciences.

Lily Turcany is the daughter of Heather Turcany. Throughout her high school career she has been involved in Varsity Soccer for three years, she was awarded with scholastic achievement and all academic.
She has also been a member of Interact for two years, and this year she holds the position of treasurer. She has also been in Spanish Club, Math Team, POPs, Junior Marshals, and National Honors Society.
In 2023 Lily was awarded with the Small Town and Rural Recognition by Collegeboard. Following graduation she will attend the University of Iowa and major in Psychology.

McKenzie Shields is the daughter of Jodi and Cameron Shields. She has done both stats and been a member of the wrestling team for three years.
She has also been involved in Speech team, Art Club, and Spanish Club for two years. Beginning this year she has also been in National Honors Society and Yearbook Committee.
Following graduation McKenzie will be attending Western Michigan University and majoring in Exercise Science.

Paige Eighner is the daughter of Chad and Stacy Eighner. Throughout her four years she has been involved in Volleyball, and has been awarded All Academic.
Paige has also been in National Honors Society for two years, and this year holds the position of treasurer. She has also been on the Math Team and has been a Junior Marshall.
Following graduation Paige plans to attend Trinity Christian College and major in Nursing.

Reid Juster is the son of Kristin Ruda. He has been involved in Football, Basketball, and Baseball all four years of high school.
He has been recognized as All Area and All Conference for Basketball. He has also been involved in National Honors Society, LEAD, POPS, and Math Team.
After graduation Reid plans to attend Carthage College and double major in Athletic Training and Sports Management.