Elgin Academy seniors amass $3 million in scholarships

In seven years, Neha Khemani will be a doctor.

The Lake in the Hills girl graduated Saturday from Elgin Academy and plans to enter a seven-year medical program at Boston University.

She credits her time at the Elgin school, which prides itself on a well-rounded liberal arts education, with persuading her to enter the medical field.

“I really got to explore my interests,” Neha said. “I got to figure out what I would really like to do with my life.”

Neha was one of 30 students who graduated Saturday from Elgin Academy during the academy's 155th commencement, held at the school.

The class of 2011 averaged a 27 on the ACT college entrance exam and amassed more than $3 million in merit scholarships, according to the school. All 30 students are headed to college.

“I've been particularly impressed with the hard work this class has put in and the fact that the hard work has paid off in such a strong way,” Head of School John Cooper said. “Every challenge that we've put before them, they've latched onto it.”

Cooper also commended the class for its community service, including volunteering at the PADS homeless shelter in Elgin and an annual service trip to the Dominican Republic.

Neha said the scholarship money is “a testament to the well-roundedness of our class. We all have strengths across the board.”

The valedictorian was Caitlin Ward, who plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis. Fotini Karas, headed to Indiana University, was the salutatorian.