VHHS Senior James McDonald Selected to IHSA All-State Academic Team
Vernon Hills High School Senior James McDonald has been selected to the IHSA All-State Academic Team. The honor places James among the top 26 student-athletes in the state of Illinois.
Every IHSA member school was invited to nominate one female student and one male student to be a part of the prestigious team. Nominees needed to possess a minimum 3.50 grade point average on a 4.0 scale after their 7th semester, have participated in at least two IHSA sponsored activities during each of the last two years of high school and demonstrated outstanding citizenship.
The nominations were evaluated by a committee of IHSA principals, athletic directors and activities directors. One male winner and one female winner from each of the seven IHSA Board of Directors Divisions were selected initially, while the final 12 spots on the team were then rounded out with at-large candidates from anywhere in the state. Hundreds of nominations for the 2018-19 team were received.
James is a three-year member of the VHHS lacrosse team as well as a three-year varsity captain of the team. He is a member of the cross country team, serving as varsity captain for two years, and finishing 15th at state in 2018. James was also a two-year member of the basketball team and ran one year of track and field. In addition to athletics, he is a member of the VHHS National Honor Society, currently serving as vice president, and has served as a Special Olympics mentor and unified partner for three years.
In an essay written for the All-State team application, James wrote, "I am not the smartest. I am not the strongest. However, high school activities have taught me that talent is no match for the utmost levels of integrity, effort, and passion. These three essential characteristics have been the building blocks that have constructed and strengthened my identity, pushing myself to be the very best I can be." This attitude has helped James earn the previously noted athletic honors as well as much academic recognition including being named a National Merit Semifinalist, receiving the VHHS Cougar Class Act Award, and being named the 2018 Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award recipient.
He has received U.S. Military Academy Nominations from Congressman Brad Schneider and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, as well as a U.S. Naval Academy nomination from Congressman Schneider. James is planning on pursuing a career in the armed forces.
James and his fellow honorees will be recognized at an awards dinner on April 15th in Bloomington.