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A quarter of Woodlands Academy seniors are Illinois State Scholars

Twenty-five percent of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart's graduating class of 2020 are among high school seniors being honored as Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) State Scholars in recognition of superior academic achievement. Illinois State Scholars represent approximately the top 10 percent of seniors from 726 high schools across the state. They possess strong academic potential and are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.

Woodlands Academy's 2020-21 Illinois State Scholars are: Elizabeth Coughlin, of Northbrook; Áine Heaney, of Chicago; Mariana Noble, of Chicago; Constance Parker, of Chicago; Julia Podstolowicz, of Gurnee; Daphne Ricketts, of Wilmette; Anna Serkland, of Lake Forest; Annika Swanson, of Chicago; and Jianna Torcende, of Hainseville.

"I am so very proud of our State Scholars for achieving this recognition of all their hard work and outstanding academic performance during their years at Woodlands Academy," said Head of School Meg Steele. "I'd also like to thank the members of our faculty for creating an environment here that prepares girls for college and beyond by empowering them to lead, compete, engage and explore."

While State Scholar recognition does not include a monetary prize, honorees will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC and a personalized Certificate of Achievement. Honorees can also download a digital Illinois State Scholar badge that can be displayed on their online profiles and social media platforms, and shared with prospective colleges, employers and others. The program announces honorees based on the year they would begin any post-secondary education, not the year they graduate from high school.

"On behalf of ISAC, we congratulate this year's Illinois States Scholars," said Eric Zarnikow, executive director of ISAC. "It is a credit to these students--as well as to their support systems and to their schools--that so many of them are not only driven to achieve but also reflect a true love of learning and a desire to use their education to make the world a better place."

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 more than 150 schools in 41 countries on six continents (24 schools in the U.S and Canada). For more information, visit www.woodlandsacademy.org.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission 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.

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