Nine students from Kewanee High School’s Class of 2024 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars.
They are Jillian Bennison, Eleanor Burkhart, Laryn Conley, Victoria Dennison, Alexander Hager, Willow Marshall, Joshua Ogorzalek, Jackson Silvis and Avery Yepsen.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, nearly 16,700 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was introduced in 1958.
Kewanee High School Principal Rebecca Baney 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.”
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 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.
“On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all our Illinois State Scholars for their extraordinary academic achievements,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow. “These high school seniors managed through the personal and learning challenges of the pandemic for several years of high school, and their accomplishments reflect their passion and dedication to academic pursuits. We also want to acknowledge and thank families, counselors, educators, mentors, and communities for their encouragement and often invaluable support in helping students along each step of their educational path.”
