Eight Princeton High School students named Illinois State Scholars

PRINCETON — Princeton High School has announced eight students from the 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.

Princeton High School students named 2020-21 Illinois State Scholars are: Nathan Allen, the son of Rick and Laura Allen; Eli Crouch, the son of Ryan and Amy Crouch; Ryne Muehlschlegel, the son of Jim and Dawn Muehlschlegel; Cole Adams, the son of Tim and Melanie Hasbrook and the late Terry Adams; Remi Rawlings, the daughter of James and Diana Rawlings; Elizabeth Orwig, the daughter of JD and Shelley Orwig; Caleb Alter, the son of Jay and Jennifer Alter; and Hope Mueller, the daughter of Stacey and Tonda Mueller.

“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.