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Five students from the Putnam County High School Class of 2025 have been designated Illinois State Scholars.
They are Emelia Bouxsein, Enzo Holocker, Lisa Myres, Anna Sandberg and Valeria Villagomez.
Emelia Bouxsein of Hennepin is the daughter of Nicole and Jerimey Bouxsein. Bouxsein plans to attend Southern Illinois University and major in sonography to become an ultrasound technician. Bousxein was a member of the volleyball, basketball and cheer teams; Interact; the National Honor Society; student council; and is a senior class officer.
Enzo Holocker of Granville is the son of Alexis and AJ Chambers. Holocker plans to attend Illinois Valley Community College and would like to pursue a career in either computer-aided design or engineering. Holocker participated in track and field and the National Honor Society.
Lisa Myres of Hennepin is the daughter of William Myres. Myres plans to attend college to pursue a music degree and a Russian language minor. Myres is a member of band, theater, Panteras, scholastic bowl and is treasurer of the National Honor Society.
Anna Sandberg of McNabb is the daughter of Brandy and Ryan Sandberg. Sandberg plans to attend Knox College in order to pursue a degree in elementary education. Sandberg is a member of theater, scholastic bowl, president of the National Honor Society, band and student council.
Valeria Villagomez of McNabb is the daughter of Laura Mendez and Rodolfo Villagomez. Villagomez plans to attend Benedictine College to pursue a degree in engineering. Villagomez is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, basketball and softball.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize our Illinois State Scholar winners for their exceptional academic achievements. This prestigious honor celebrates the dedication, hard work and excellence of our students,” Putnam County High School Principal Dustin Schrank said in a news release. “These scholars represent the best of our school and community, and we commend them for their outstanding efforts and commitment to academic success. Congratulations to each of these remarkable students – you inspire us all.”
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, 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, about 16,700 honorees join the other outstanding students who have been honored since the designation was first introduced in 1958.
“On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all our Illinois State Scholars for their extraordinary academic achievements,” ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow said in a news release. “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 nonmonetary award. Each student will receive a congratulatory letter and a Certificate of Achievement from ISAC. Additionally, awardees can download an official Illinois State Scholar Program badge to display on their online profiles and social media platforms, and share them with their high school counselors, colleges, employers, family members and others.