***Press Release***
Illinois Student Assistance Commission Commends 16 St. Anthony H.S. Students for their exceptional academic achievement
Effingham, IL – St. Anthony H.S. Principal Greg Fearday is pleased to announce that 16 students from the [High School name] graduating class of 2018 have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state agency committed to helping to make college accessible and affordable for Illinois families, confers this prestigious recognition to top Illinois high school students annually. This year, more than 20,000 outstanding honorees join the other top students who have been honored for their academic achievements since the designation was first introduced in 1958.
Illinois State Scholars represent approximately the top ten percent of high school seniors from 738 high schools across the state. Illinois State Scholars possess strong academic potential and are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.
“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of all of our students,” Fearday said. “These 16 have distinguished themselves even further with this recognition. We appreciate the manner in which they represent our school and our parish.”
The following St. Anthony H.S. students were named 2018-19 Illinois State Scholars:
Aidan Bailey, son of Catherine and John Bailey
Alex Beesley, son of Cindy and Brad Beesley
Olivia Clausius, daughter of Kathy and Jeff Clauisius
Ian Copple, son of Carrie and Scott Copple
Avery Elder, daughter of Christy and J.R.
John Hartke, son of Emily and Kirk Hartke
Augie Heal, son of Kimberly and Matthew Heal
Megan Hodge, daughter of Debbie and Kelly Hodge
Logan Klitzing, son of Michael and Maria Klitzing
Wyatt Lawrence, son of Jill and Byron Lawrence
Evi Malone, daughter of Traci and Dr. Kevin Malone
Marci Mills, daughter of Kim Mills and Josh Brandenburg
Jack Nuxoll, son of Deana and Greg Nuxoll
Ethan Rozene, son of Dr. Tina and Tal Rozene
Maryann Saba, daughter of Muhad and Hanna Saba
McKenna Steineman, daughter of Angela and Daniel Steineman
“On behalf of ISAC, I want to congratulate all of this year’s State Scholars for their exceptional work and wish them much success in their future endeavors,” said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC executive director. “Thank you also to the teachers, parents, coaches and other mentors who support our students, inspire them, and help them navigate a path to college. You make a tremendous difference not only in our students’ lives, but in improving economic prosperity and building a bright future for our state.”
While the State Scholar recognition does not include a monetary prize, honorees will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC and personalized Certificates of Achievement. This year, State Scholars will also receive a digital Illinois State Scholar badge, which can be displayed on their online profiles and social media accounts, and shared with high school counselors, prospective colleges, employers, family members and others.
All students, including State Scholars, who plan to be enrolled in college next fall are urged to complete their 2018-19 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible in order to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid. ISAC offers free financial aid and college access events to assist students and families with the college-going process. Students can also visit the ISAC Student Portal for college planning, financial aid and financial literacy information and free tools, as well as information on how to contact the ISACorps, a group of recent college graduates who act as near-peer mentors, for one-on-one assistance and mentoring. Students can also get answers to their college-going and financial aid questions sent directly to their phones by signing up for ISAC College Q&A, ISAC’s free text messaging service. Visit the ISAC Student Portal for more information at www.isac.org/studentportal.
***Press release courtesy of St Anthony High School***