A Third of Woodlands Academy Seniors Named 2017-18 State Scholars

- Thirty-two percent of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart seniors are among high school students being honored by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) as 2017-18 State Scholars in recognition of superior academic achievement. Honorees were chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth-semester class rank. They typically rank in or near the top 10 percent of high school seniors from 765 high schools across the state.

"I am so proud of our state scholars and commend them for achieving this recognition of all their hard work and outstanding academic performance here at Woodlands Academy," said Head of School Meg Steele. "I'd also like to thank the members of our faculty who foster the one-on-one relationships allowing them to determine how each student learns best."

Woodlands Academy's 2017-18 Illinois State Scholars are: seniors Elizabeth Bartusiak of Lake Forest, Mari Brady of Grayslake, Allison Dalton of Waukegan, Keely Dickes of Winnetka, Caylee Hamilton of Wadsworth, Karlye Keller of Lake Bluff. Meaghan Lanctot of Lake Forest, Sarah LaVanway of Lake Forest, Alice Lele of Evanston, Arabella McMenamin Walshe of Highland Park, Shaina Royer of Libertyville, Elyse Simons of Chicago, and Catherine Slaughter of Lake Bluff.

"Students have a lot to contend with as they move through high school - from increased testing to extracurricular activities to highly competitive college admissions," said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC executive director. "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."

Located in Lake Forest, Woodlands Academy is an independent, Catholic day and boarding, college-preparatory school for young women of all faiths grades nine through 12. It's part of a network of 24 schools in the U.S. and Canada and more than 125 schools in countries throughout the world. For more information, visit www.woodlandsacademy.org.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) helps make college accessible and affordable for students throughout Illinois. ISAC provides comprehensive, objective and timely information on education and financial aid for students and their families - giving them access to the tools they need to make the educational choices that are right for them. To learn more, visit www.isac.org

Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women. It's part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries. A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy's identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve. For more information about Woodlands Academy, please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org