17 EPCHS Students Recognized As Illinois State Scholars

EVERGREEN PARK, IL – Seventeen students from the Evergreen Park Community High School class of 2023 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the state’s college access and financial aid
agency, presents this prestigious recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois
high school students annually. This year, more than 16,700 honorees join the other outstanding
students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958.

“Being named an Illinois State Scholar is an outstanding academic accomplishment and we are
especially proud of our students who have been recognized as scholars,” Dist. 231 Superintendent Tom O’Malley said in a news release.

The following EPCHS students were named 2023-2024 Illinois State Scholars: Katherine Beyer,
Julianna Black, Karalyn Burke, Leo Cassidy, Kailen Curran, Olivia Doran, Katharine Downey-
McGurk, Noah Flores, Jamia Head, Kaitlyn Higgins, Helen Joyce, Leo Lesauskis, Paul Lieske,
David Ortiz, Nicole Reynolds, Kennedy Shelby, Noah Valdez.

“On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all the outstanding students selected as 2023-24
Illinois State Scholars,” ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow said. “Students and families
faced numerous challenges over the last two years with remote learning, among other financial
and personal difficulties. As we continue to recover from the pandemic, these academic
achievements are a credit to the hard work and dedication of the student scholars and their
families, and to the support provided by teachers, mentors, counselors, and communities in
helping students meet their goals and find success as they advance on their education and
career paths.”

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 official 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.

The Illinois State Scholar Program announces honorees based on the year they would begin
any postsecondary education, not based on the year they graduate from high school.
ISAC encourages all high school students to complete the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA), or for eligible undocumented students, the Alternative Application for
Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application).

The FAFSA is the application used by students and families to apply for federal and most state and institutional financial aid for most postsecondary education, including career and technical education, certificates, and two- or four-year degree programs. The Alternative Application offers a pathway to state financial aid for eligible Illinois undocumented students who are not eligible for federal student aid.

Students and families can get assistance with the higher education planning and financial aid
process by attending a free college application, financial aid, financial aid application
completion, or related workshop held by ISAC and/or our partners, or by connecting with an
ISACorps member in their area. For more information or to find your local ISACorps member, visit the student portal.