35 West Chicago High students named Illinois State Scholars
West Chicago Community High School Principal William Dwyer recently announced that 35 students from the graduating class of 2024 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, nearly 16,700 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958.
The following West Chicago Community High School students were named 2024-25 Illinois State Scholars: Clarissa Alvarez, Nathaniel Bove, Tyler Heimbecker, Makenzie Leszczewicz, Rory Rudden, Owen Thompson, Ethan Villano and Jonathan Walsh, all of Carol Stream; Kayliana Koeune of Northwoods; Christian Abadilla, Maria Bekiaris, Madison Bormann, Fernanda Delgadillo, James Dore, Kevin Dorl, Julissa Duran, Cora Garling, Dhanveer Gill, Christina Guo, Angie Jacobo, Arely Jacobo, Graham Johnson, Enaya Kazmi, Jorge Munoz, Neela Myers, Charles Pechman, Ryley Salazar, Lauren Sikma and Margaret White, all of West Chicago; and Sydney Bennema, Matthew Eaton, Gabriella Gloss, Clara Hasselgren, Elizabeth Horan and Leah Moffatt, all of Carol Stream.
“On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all our Illinois State Scholars for their extraordinary academic achievements,” said Eric Zarnikow, executive director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. “These high school seniors managed through the personal and learning challenges of the pandemic for several years of high school, and their accomplishments reflect their passion and dedication to academic pursuits. We also want to acknowledge and thank families, counselors, educators, mentors, and communities for their encouragement and often invaluable support in helping students along each step of their educational path.”
The Illinois State Scholar designation is a non-monetary award. Each State Scholar will receive a congratulatory letter and a certificate of achievement from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.