SHOREWOOD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is offering congratulations to over 200 local high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“Over the past year, our students were faced with more things working against them than they deserved,” Loughran Cappel said. “Despite these obstacles, they excelled through a global pandemic, and I am so proud of their progress.”

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

Scholars from the 49^th District include students from five area high schools, including Oswego High School, Joliet Catholic Academy, Plainfield Central High School, Plainfield East High School, Plainfield North High School.

“As a mother and former educator, I know just how crucial quality schools are to a young person’s growth,” Loughran Cappel said. “We are lucky to live in an area served by schools with such an excellent track record fostering successful students.”

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.