Grundy Reporter

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) helped honor the 192 local high school students named by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) as the 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars. 

Illinois State Scholars are seniors from 676 high schools in 102 counties that rank in the top 10% of all seniors. Selection for the honor is based on a combination of standardized tests, class rank or unweighted GPA by the end of a student's junior year, Joyce said in an April 27 release.

"I am thrilled to recognize and congratulate these students from our community for this well-deserved honor. This group of scholars is incredibly inspiring, as they have persisted through unprecedented changes in learning. I’m so proud of their commitment and dedication," Joyce said.

According to the release, the ISAC works with high school guidance councilors to help determine the winners across the state. 

Scholars from the 40th District that were recognized this year included seniors from "Bishop McNamara, Bradley Bourbonnais Community, Coal City, Flossmoor, Herscher, Kankakee, Marian Catholic, Momence, Rich East, Peotone, South Wilmington and St. Anne high schools," the release said. 

Winners of the honor will receive a congratulatory letter from the ISAC and a Certificate of Achievement, which is sent to students' high school. ISAC also issues a digital badge to each scholar to display on online profiles, social media and shared with prospective employers and colleges, the release said.