Illinois Student Assistance Commission Announces 2018-19 Illinois State Scholars

DEERFIELD, IL -The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is pleased to announce the names of the 2018-19 Illinois State Scholars. These outstanding honorees represent some of Illinois' best and brightest, and join the other top Illinois high school students honored with the prestigious designation since it was introduced in 1958.

The 2018-19 Illinois State Scholars rank in approximately the top ten percent of high school seniors from 737 high schools across the state. Honorees are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.

"On behalf of ISAC, I congratulate all of this year's State Scholars for their exceptional work and wish them much success in their future endeavors," said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC executive director. "Thank you also to the teachers, parents, coaches and other mentors who support our students, inspire them, and help them navigate a path to college. You make a tremendous difference not only in our students' lives, but in improving economic prosperity and building a bright future for our state."

While the State Scholar recognition does not include a monetary award, honorees will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC and personalized Certificates of Achievement. This year, State Scholars can also receive a digital Illinois State Scholar badge, which can be displayed on their online profiles and social media accounts, and shared with high school counselors, prospective colleges, employers, family members and others. Current State Scholars are also listed on the ISAC website.  

All students, including State Scholars, who plan to be enrolled in college next fall are urged to complete their 2018-19 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible in order to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid. ISAC offers free financial aid and college access events to assist students and families with the college-going process. Students can also visit the ISAC Student Portal for college planning, financial aid and financial literacy information and free tools, as well as information on how to contact the ISACorps, a group of recent college graduates who act as near-peer mentors, for one-on-one assistance and mentoring.  Students can also get answers to their college-going and financial aid questions sent directly to their phones by signing up for ISAC College Q&A, ISAC's free text messaging service. Visit the ISAC Student Portal for more information at www.isac.org/studentportal.

About ISAC
The mission of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is to help 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. Then, through the state scholarship and grant programs ISAC administers, ISAC can help students make those choices a reality. www.isac.org