ISAC announces 2015-16 Illinois State Scholars

<span>The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) announced Dec. 2 the names of its 2015-16 Illinois State Scholars.</span>

<span>Four Chester High School seniors, Madison Kueker, Danny Moeller, Mallory Westerman and Issiac Wingerter, were included on the list.</span>

<span>Illinois State Scholars rank in approximately the top 10 percent of the state's high school </span>seniors, this year representing 671 high schools from across Illinois.

<span>Selection is based on SAT, ACT, or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or on class rank at the end of the junior year. </span>

<span>High school guidance counselors work with ISAC to determine the winners. </span>

<span>"It is with great pride that we announce this year's group of Illinois State Scholars," said Eric Zarnikow, ISAC executive director in a news release. "In addition to congratulating our State Scholars for their </span>commitment and hard work, we also want to commend their parents, teachers, coaches and mentors for helping these students achieve their goals.

<span>"It really does take a village. We wish all of these scholars the best as they pursue their future education and careers."</span>

<span>Congratulatory letters from ISAC have been sent to honorees, and the agency has provided </span>personalized Certificates of Achievement to each high school for distribution, often at school award ceremonies or assemblies.

<span>ISAC also publishes a list of current Illinois State Scholars on its website (www.isac.org). While this recognition does not include a monetary prize, Illinois State Scholars are encouraged to cite the honor on applications for college admission and scholarships.</span>

<span>"We know that postsecondary education can not only improve individual success and </span>achievement, but can improve communities as well - from decreasing crime rates to improving life expectancy," said Zarnikow. "Our State Scholars should be proud of all they have achieved in their four years of high school, and we look forward to seeing how their success can help change Illinois for the better."

<span>ISAC encourages students interested in attending college next fall to complete the Free </span>Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1 to determine eligibility for federal and state aid, including Illinois' need-based Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant.

<span>A calendar of free financial aid and college access events, including FAFSA completion workshops to assist students and families with the form, is available on ISAC's website.</span>

<span>Students can visit the agency's website for a wealth of additional financial aid and college planning information and tools, as well as information on how to access one-on-one assistance and mentoring in the college-going process. </span>

<span>The mission of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is to help make college accessible and affordable for students throughout Illinois.</span>

<span>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 help make the educational choices that are right for them.</span>

<span>Through the state's flagship Monetary Award Program and other scholarship and grant programs, ISAC administered more than $380 million in academic year 2014-15.</span>