Evergreen Park Community High School Principal Bill Sanderson announced that 17 students from the EPCHS graduating class of 2023 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this prestigious recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, more than 16,700 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958.
“Being named an Illinois State Scholar is an outstanding academic accomplishment and we are especially proud of our students who have been recognized as scholars,” O’Malley said.
The following EPCHS students were named 2023-2024 Illinois State Scholars: Katherine Beyer, Julianna Black, Karalyn Burke, Leo Cassidy, Kailen Curran, Olivia Doran, Katharine Downey-McGurk, Noah Flores, Jamia Head, Kaitlyn Higgins, Helen Joyce, Leo Lesauskis, Paul Lieske, David Ortiz, Nicole Reynolds, Kennedy Shelby, Noah Valdez.
“On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all of the outstanding students selected as 2023-24 Illinois State Scholars,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow. “Students and families faced numerous challenges over the last two years with remote learning, among other financial and personal difficulties. As we continue to recover from the pandemic, these academic achievements are a credit to the hard work and dedication of the student scholars and their families, and to the support provided by teachers, mentors, counselors, and communities in helping students meet their goals and find success as they advance on their education and career paths.”
The Illinois State Scholar designation is a non-monetary award. Each State Scholar will receive a congratulatory letter and a Certificate of Achievement from ISAC. Additionally, awardees can download an official Illinois State Scholar Program badge to display on their online profiles, social media platforms, and share with their high school counselors, colleges, employers, family members and others.