Ten students from Kewanee High School’s graduating class of 2026 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars.
They are Gabriel Anderson, Jack Anderson, Katy Carton, Anna Chabanenko, Kendyl DeBlieck, Kalleigh Gale, Owen Laue, London Pettis, Taylor VanWinkle and Abigail Wyant.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, announced the State Scholars for this school year. They are selected based on their ACT or SAT exams and sixth-semester class rank and are recognized for their exceptional academic achievement.
The scholars rank in approximately the top 10% of graduates from Illinois high schools. More than 16,770 students from 690 high schools were selected for this honor.
Kewanee High School Principal Amanda Tidwell said, “It is with great honor that the Kewanee Community Unit School District 229 announces the prestigious achievement of these outstanding Illinois State Scholars. These students have brought pride and recognition to their families, Kewanee High School, and the Kewanee community. We commend them for their commitment to academic and personal excellence. They are ‘simplythebest229’.”
“On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all of the outstanding students selected as 2025-2026 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 and social media platforms, and share with their high school counselors, colleges, employers, family members and others.
