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 The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC),
the state agency committed to helping to make college accessible and
affordable for Illinois families, bestows this prestigious
recognition to top Illinois high school students annually. This
year, over 18,800 elite honorees join the other top state students
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, hailing from 671 different high schools
across the state. Selection is based on SAT, ACT or Prairie State
Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior
year. High school guidance counselors work with ISAC to determine
the winners.
 The following Lincoln Community High School students were named
2015-16 Illinois State Scholars: Naomi Bailey, Kevin Barker, Tara
Bradley, Ashlyn Carroll, Eiljah Chapman, Trenton Crawford, Payton
Ebelherr, Kyle Fitzpatrick, Cameron Halpin, Katherine Harris, Katlyn
Hasprey, Amanda Jones, Sergio Morales, Elizabeth Olson, Natalie
Oltmanns, Alison Pagel, Jessica Plummer, Steven Schleich, Logan
Thompson, Alexandria Tibbs, Heather VanCleve, and Grace Walters.
“It is with great pride that we announce this year’s group of
Illinois State Scholars,” said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC Executive
Director. “In addition to congratulating our State Scholars for
their commitment and hard work, we also want to commend their
parents, teachers, coaches and mentors for helping these students
achieve their goals. It really does take a village.”
Zarnikow continued, “ISAC wishes all of the scholars at Lincoln
Community High School the best as they pursue their future education
and careers.”
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 While this distinguished recognition does not include a
monetary prize, recipients are encouraged to cite the honor on
applications for college admission and scholarships. In
addition, students are urged to complete the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after
January 1st. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal and
state aid, including Illinois’ need-based Monetary Award Program
(MAP) grant, as well as for many forms of aid offered through
colleges.
A calendar of free financial aid and college access events,
including FAFSA completion workshops to assist students and
families with the form, is available on ISAC’s website,
www.ISAC.org. Students can visit the agency’s website for a
wealth of additional financial aid and college planning
information and tools, as well as applications for grants and
scholarships administered by ISAC. In addition, students can
find out how to access free one-on-one assistance and mentoring
in the college-going process.
[Sarah Sisk, Lincoln Community High
School]
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