EVERGREEN PARK, IL – Evergreen Park Community High School’s Principal, Matt Dugan, is pleased to announce that 24 students from the graduating class of 2025 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually. This year, nearly 16,700 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958.  

The following students were named 2024-25 Illinois State Scholars: Lucy Anderson, Joie Burns, Maximillian Castillo, Cecilia Deranek, Aliah Diaz, Ronan Doogan, Tyler Duran, Hope Etapa, Quinn Farrell, Lilli Gleason, Margaret Joyce, Makayla Knight, Benjamin Long, Xalani Mitchell, Luke O’Malley, Margaret Palmer, Jack Schaller, Rowan Smyth, Lawrence Somerville, Padric Sullivan, Rosebud Summers, Suzanne Summers, Erin Wade, and Ilaan Wheeler. These students, along with their parents/guardians were invited to a recognition breakfast on Wednesday, December 18 where the students received an embroidered sweatshirt and congratulations from Megan Schillo, EPCHS’ director of curriculum. 

“On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all our Illinois State Scholars for their extraordinary academic achievements,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow. “These high school seniors managed through the personal and learning challenges of the pandemic for several years of high school, and their accomplishments reflect their passion and dedication to academic pursuits. We also want to acknowledge and thank families, counselors, educators, mentors, and communities for their encouragement and often invaluable support in helping students along each step of their educational path.”  

The Illinois State Scholar designation is a non-monetary award. Each state scholar will receive a congratulatory letter and a Certificate of Achievement from ISAC.