Local Nonprofit has Students Recognized for Academic Achievement

Two Waukegan to College (W2C) high school seniors, Estrella Limon and Anjelica Linares have received the prestigious honor of being recognized as an Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

“To be among those chosen individuals means that I have underestimated how much potential I have. I am, in fact, capable of performing above and beyond,” said Ms. Limon.

Limon attributes her success to the support she receives from W2C and her mentor, Anne Thomason, a Lake Forest resident. Thomason has been working with Estrella since her sophomore year, and remembers [Estrella] being “pretty quiet when we first [met]. Now we have fascinating conversations about philosophy, psychology, religion, astronomy, you name it. She is very smart and curious about the world.”

Smart she is, as Limon has been accepted to six institutions thus far. Thomason shared that, “When I applied for college years ago I remember being stressed about it, but I had parents who were college graduates and helping me with financial aid forms. I think when your family have not had the experience of going through the college admission process it adds a great deal of stress and confusion to the process.”

Elyse Danckers, W2C executive director, agrees and expressed her gratitude for the over 120 volunteers, like Thomason, that make first-generation success possible. “As the number of students we serve increases, so does the need for more volunteers,” said Danckers. “We hope to have 200 students next year and will need tutors and mentors to help these amazing young people on their way to college.”

Eric Zarnikow, ISAC executive director, expressed his gratitude by acknowledging “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.”

The 2018-19 Illinois State Scholars rank in approximately the top ten percent of high school seniors from 737 high schools across the state. Honorees are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.

These outstanding honorees represent some of Illinois’ best and brightest, and join the other top Illinois high school students honored with the prestigious designation since it was introduced in 1958.

Established in 2009, Waukegan to College (W2C) is a nationally-recognized, community-based organization that has used parental support, intensive academic support, and community involvement to help its 135 students from Waukegan persist toward a college degree. One-hundred percent of W2C student participants matriculate into college.

While the State Scholar recognition does not include a monetary award, honorees will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC and personalized Certificates of Achievement. This year, State Scholars can 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. Current State Scholars are also listed on the ISAC website.

To learn more about building a brighter future for first-generation students in the community, visit the W2C website, www.waukegantocollege.org, for more information about becoming a mentor, tutor or scholarship coach.