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SPRING VALLEY — Hall High School Principal Adam Meyer announced seven students from the Hall High School graduating Class of 2020 have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state agency committed to helping make college accessible and affordable for Illinois families, confers this prestigious recognition to top Illinois high school students annually. This year, more than 17,500 honorees join the other top students who have been honored for their academic achievements since the designation was first introduced in 1958.
The 2020-21 Illinois State Scholars represent approximately the top 10 percent of high school seniors from 726 high schools across the state. Illinois State Scholars are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank. This year, ISAC is celebrating all State Scholars with two videos that highlight some of the state’s exceptional students.
Hall High School students named 2020-21 Illinois State Scholars are Paige Blackburn, the daughter of Audrey and Earl Blackburn of Spring Valley; Teanna Cattani, the daughter of Aaron and Kathy Cattani of Ladd; Sarah Croasdale, the daughter of Victor and Lois Croasdale of Spring Valley; Abigail Draper, the daughter of Ann and Dan Draper of Dalzell; Madelyn Hultz, the daughter of Scott and Nichole Hultz of Spring Valley; Olivia Novero, the daughter of Gretchen and Jason Novero of Spring Valley; and Regina Scarpaci, the daughter of Jim and Lorie Scarpaci of Dalzell.
Susan Lucas, director of guidance at Hall, said: “On behalf of Hall High School, I would like to congratulate our 2020 Illinois State Scholars on receiving this high honor. We are very proud of their dedication to their academic endeavors, and we look forward to their future achievements.”
Of the Hall students named Illinois State Scholars, Blackburn plans to chase her dream in the field of English/creative writing, Cattani wants to study psychology, Croasdale plans to study commercial aviation to become a pilot, Draper plans to major in computer science, Hultz wants to study nursing, Novero also plans to go into nursing and Scarpaci plans to study forensic chemistry.
“On behalf of ISAC, we congratulate the 2020-21 Illinois State Scholars,” said Eric Zarnikow, executive director of ISAC. “I’m consistently impressed with the passion, focus, organization, and dedication of our State Scholars. It is a credit to these students — as well as to their support systems and to our 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.”
While the 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 high school counselors, prospective colleges, employers, family members and others.