Bremen HS Students Honored by the University of Illinois

Nine Bremen High School seniors were recently honored at the Salute to Academic Achievement (SAA) event, sponsored by all three campuses of the University of Illinois. Underrepresented minority students across the State of Illinois who earned an ACT score of 24 or above and who rank in the top 25th percentile of their senior class, were personally invited for the purpose of recognizing their academic success. Bremen seniors invited to the event were: Ashlei Cole, Veronica Garcia, Richard Gutierrez, Carlos Lopez, Ben McClerklin, Alejandro Munoz, Abraham Ramirez, Desire Sosa, and Pablo Villar.

Students who attended the event were escorted by Counselors Ms. Kristine Bonebrake and Ms. Anna Rauch.

“It was a very rewarding experience to go to this event and be able to share it with my peers and the counselors that have helped me these past four years,” said senior honoree Desire Sosa.

Program highlights included a University of Illinois college fair, a delightful lunch, and remarks by current students, as well as three highly-esteemed guest speakers: Dr. Christophe Pierre, University of Illinois Vice President for Academic Affairs; Jose Santillan, CFA, US Securities and Exchange Commission; and Dr. Robert A. Easter, University of Illinois President.

Dr. Easter summed up the spirit of the event in stating, “Today is both a celebration of your accomplishments in high school, and a look ahead to your future. The University of Illinois stands ready to help you as you weigh the next big step in your life—college.”