26 Marian Central Catholic High School students recognized as Illinois State Scholars

Marian Central Catholic High School saw 26 of its students from the graduating class of 2021 recognized as Illinois State Scholars this year, the Woodstock-based school said in a news release.

More than 16,640 students were recognized by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the state’s college access and financial aid agency, which typically announces the recipients in early December, according to the release. This year, the postponement or cancellation of spring 2020 college entrance exams due to the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the announcements.

This year’s Illinois State Scholars represent about the top 10% of high school seniors from 676 high schools across the state. Illinois State Scholars are chosen based on a combination of ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.

“With all of the challenges that this past year and a half has brought these students, it is inspiring to see them rise to the occasion, meeting these hurdles head-on and continuing to excel academically, spiritually, and emotionally,” Marian Central Curriculum Director Debra Novy said in a statement.

The following Marian Central Catholic High School students were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars: Isabella Antonetti of Lakewood, John Bojan of McHenry, Nathaniel Bucci of Woodstock, Alexandra De La Cruz of Carpentersville, Molly Finnegan of McHenry, Carlo Fragante of Woodstock, Gretchen Gilmore of McHenry, Brian Hopp of Spring Grove, Alexis Jolly of Algonquin, Elizabeth Kita of Cary, Jeremy Kleberg of Prairie Grove, Jenna Knapp of Cary, Grace Kramer of Woodstock, Morgan Laudick of Wonder Lake, Kacie Lingle of Crystal Lake, Tess Meisner of Crystal Lake, Abigail Miller of Lakewood, Timothy Miller of McHenry, Kelsey Miner of Algonquin, Phillip Paulson of Woodstock, Morgan Piwonka of McHenry, Mason Schwalbach of Woodstock, Katherine Strode of Lakewood, Jane Walsdorf of Woodstock, Joseph Walsdorf of Woodstock and Peter Walsdorf of Woodstock.