Reed-Custer Seniors honored as Illinois State Scholars

Reed-Custer High School is proud to announce nine Illinois State Scholars for the 2022-2023 school year. This year’s recipients are (front, from left): Alexandra Bohac, Laci Newbrough, Abigail Sunday and Gabriella Davies. Back row: James Sheridan, Tyler Wiyninger, Makayla Wilkins, Jaina Dubbert and Maggie Lantka. Photo provided.

By: 
Marney Simon
Editor

Nine members of the Reed-Custer High School Class of 2023 have earned the honor of Illinois State Scholar.

The students were given special recognition by the board of education during their regular monthly meeting on Nov. 16.

This year’s honorees are Laci Newbrough, James Sheridan, Makayla Wilkins, Tyler Wiyninger, Jaina Dubbert, Alexandra Bohac, Gabriella Davies, Abigail Sunday, and Maggie Lantka.

“I would call this the gold standard. What you’ve accomplished here I want you to be extremely proud of, because this is the highest recognition you can get from the state,” Superintendent Mark Mitchell told this year’s honorees during the meeting. “This is what we’re here for and this is what we’re all about, strong academics.”

The Illinois State Scholar Program announces honorees based on the year they would begin any postsecondary education. That means this year’s honorees are state scholars for 2023-2024.

“What it says is, you guys are the top students going in to college next year, and that’s what the recognition is about,” RCHS principal Tim Ricketts said. “We are very proud of you for that and we hope that you move on and do even bigger and better things after you leave Reed-Custer High School.”

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, recognizes Illinois State Scholars each year for academic achievement. This year, more than 16,700 honorees across the state join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958.

“On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all of the outstanding students selected as 2023-24 Illinois State Scholars,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow. “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.