Marist Announces 2016-17 Illinois State Scholars

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) recently named 61 Marist High School seniors Illinois State Scholars. This brings the total of Illinois State Scholars from Marist to 402 over the past six years.

Illinois State Scholars represent approximately the top 10 percent of high school seniors, hailing from 765 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 scholars. The combination of exemplary college entrance examination scores and a record of high school achievement indicate an especially high potential for success in college. To be honored as a State Scholar in Illinois is an outstanding accomplishment that will be a highlight of the recipient’s academic record.

“I applaud all of the 2017-18 state scholars for their hard work and outstanding academic performance,” said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC executive director. “Students have a lot to contend with as they move through high school—from increased testing to extracurricular activities to highly competitive college admissions. Kudos to these students and also to the teachers, parents, coaches and other mentors who contributed to their success and helped them navigate a path towards college and career success.”

ISAC sent congratulatory letters to the scholars.

“We are so proud of our Illinois State Scholars,” said Marist Principal Larry Tucker ’79. “This is a powerful reflection of the caliber of students at our school, as well as the strong curriculum and preparation our teachers provide to help students excel.”

Presenting Marist’s 2016-17 Illinois State Scholars:

First row from left: Maria Arreola, Evan Bal, Antonio Bear, Moira Blake, Caelah Borkovec, Hannah Bounardj, Emma Brennan, Matt Brannigan, Shane Brannigan, Paul Castaldo, Alexandra Cipriani, Matthew Conklin, Melissa DeGrado, Christopher Distefano, Matthew Finn.

Second row from left: Emmett Gainer, Paige Gapski, Molly Gausselin, Nora Gilliam, Jack Golden, Robert Hawkinson, Kiera Hilliard, Franciso Jotautus, Samuel Kamper, Edward Kawczynski, Claire Kelly, Dana Kelly, Kevin Kelly, Kristina Kolodziej, Alexis Kolp.

Third row from left: Mackenzie Lim, Robert Krokos, Victoria Krummick, Shannon Landers, Maryclare Leonard, Bryson Lewis, Michael Mallon, Gabriella Marino, Taylor McAlilly, Zachary Meeker, Allison Monterastelli, Nicholas Olivieri, Erin Olsen.

Fourth row from left: Jack O’Neill, Hope Orsi, Mychaela Paetow, Jeffrey Reidy, Grace Rodriguez, Nathan Stinites, Hannah Tapling, Sarah Thompson, Trae Thompson, Elizabeth Travnik, Rebecca Valek, Monica Viz, Sarah Ward, Ryan Wollenberg, Jillian Zwierz.