Central High School students honored as Illinois State Scholars

Forty-two Central High School seniors were named Illinois State Scholars for the 2023-24 school year.

According to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, considerations for this honor include: exemplary college assessment exam scores and a strong record of high school achievement, including unweighted GPA, class rank and school size.

"We have so much pride for these students," said Dr. Esther Mongan, Superintendent of Schools at Central Unit District 301. "Their hard work, perseverance and academic coursework chosen during their educational experience at Central has paid off. Many of these students not only excel in academics but as truly amazing human beings. Truly exemplar!"

Each student was given a Certificate of Achievement from the organization, plus they now have access to digital badges that they can use on their social media pages and online profiles.

Central High School celebrated these students' outstanding achievements with a breakfast in the Central High School cafeteria on Nov. 20, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.

The list of Illinois State Scholars at Central High School for the 2023-24 school year includes: Zayn Afeef, Jadon Alex, Kenzie Andersen, Duke Anderson, Robert Anderson, Leila Basa, Jenna Brandes, Vishnu Chokkaththeyandath, Haylie Cunningham, Thomas Devol, Brianna Domaleczny, Danielle Durckel, Kyra Gulati, Adam Hinkleman, Soham Jaswani, Eirini Karavasis, Elisha Karottu, Obaid Khwaja, Braedyn Kim, Joseph Kowall, Emma Larson, Andre Mangondaya, Daniel Nava, Ethan Olvera, Sia Patel, Yaisha Patel, Andrew Payton, Alan Perez, Ryan Ruthenberg, Claire Saligumba, Eva Samuelian, Tristan Sanceda, Lakshmi J Seela, Aarya Shah, Natalie Simek, Eesha Supehia, Aadi Thakkar, Aarya Thakkar, Diya Thakkar, Luke Wood, Kyrie Yarger, and Victoria Zielinski.