St. Bede Academy announces 9 state scholars

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission recognized high school seniors as 2024-25 Illinois State Scholars, including nine students from St. Bede Academy in Peru.

Illinois State Scholars represent the top 10% of high school seniors, from more than 21,000 high school students across the state. Students receiving this honor possess strong academic potential and are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth-semester class rank. ISAC, the state agency committed to helping make college accessible and affordable for Illinois families, first introduced the Illinois State Scholar recognition program in 1958.

“Being named an Illinois State Scholar is an outstanding accomplishment. The students selected have earned this recognition because of their hard work, their dedication to their studies and the support of their families and the faculty at St. Bede,” St. Bede Principal Melissa Bosnich said in a news release. “We take great pride in our students and their ability to meet the standards and the requirements set forth by the Illinois State Scholar program and the commission each year.”

The students named are:

• Haiden Ator (previously attended Dimmick), son of Mr. and Mrs. John Ator of La Salle
• Andrea Brandner (Holy Family), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Jasiek of Oglesby and Mr. Joe Brandner of Ladd
• Madalyn Dittmar (Peru Catholic), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dittmar of Oglesby
• Grady Gillan (Peru Catholic), son of Mr. Jeff and Atty. Liza Gillan of Spring Valley
• Phillip Gray (Tonica Grade School), son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gray of Streator
• Tyler Jordan (Ladd Grade School), daughter of Ms. Michelle Jordan of Ladd and Mr. Jeff Jordan of Ottawa
• Greyson Marincic (Oglesby Washington), son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Marincic of Oglesby
• Arthur van den Berg (Princeton Christian Academy), son of Mr. and Mrs. Deon van den Berg of Princeton
• Abraham Wiesbrock (Holy Family), son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wiesbrock of Tonica