Illinois Student Assistance Commission announces Illinois State Scholars

More than 19,300 high school students recognized for academic achievement

DEERFIELD, IL – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is recognizing more than 19,300 students from across the state as this year’s Illinois State Scholars. This year’s honorees join the ranks of thousands of top Illinois students honored since the prestigious designation was first made in 1958.

Illinois State Scholars rank in approximately the top ten percent of the state’s high school seniors, this year representing 675 high schools from across Illinois. Selection is based on SAT, ACT, and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or on class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work with ISAC to determine the winners.

“It’s always a real pleasure to announce the new group of Illinois State Scholars,” said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC Executive Director. “These young people don’t just represent the best in educational excellence in Illinois. Their hard work and continued success are going to be a key to the state’s economic well-being in the future. Regardless of what type of education or training they choose to pursue after high school, we at ISAC wish them all the best in college and in their careers.”

Congratulatory letters from ISAC have been sent to honorees, and the agency has provided personalized Certificates of Achievement to each high school for distribution, often at school award ceremonies or assemblies. While this recognition does not include a monetary prize, Illinois State Scholars are encouraged to cite the honor on applications for college admission and scholarships.

“These State Scholar designees can be very proud, and so can all of the families and educators who were part of their achievement,” Zarnikow continued.

The ISAC Executive Director also encourages any student interested in attending college next fall to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after January 1 to determine eligibility for federal and state aid, including Illinois’ need-based Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant. A calendar of free events, including FAFSA completion workshops to assist students and families with the form, is available at www.isac.org/calendar. A wealth of additional financial aid and college planning information is available at ISAC’s family of websites: www.isac.org, www.collegechangeseverything.org, and www.collegeillinois.org.

Created in 1957, ISAC provides postsecondary students of all ages and backgrounds with resources and support to pursue higher education. As a state agency, ISAC administers scholarship and grant programs that provided more than 170,000 awards totaling more than $415 million in academic year 2012-13. The state’s flagship grant program, the Monetary Award Program, continues to be a centerpiece in efforts to ensure that financial considerations do not prevent Illinois students from realizing their postsecondary education goals.