Father McGivney Catholic High School announces 2026-2027 Illinois State Scholars
21 FMCHS students recognized for their exceptional academic accomplishments
GLEN CARBON – Father McGivney Catholic High School is pleased to announce that 21 students from the graduating class of 2026 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars.
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, annually recognizes exceptional Illinois high school students who rank in the top ten percent statewide. Students are selected using a weighted formula that combines their highest ACT or SAT scores with their unweighted GPA or class rank through the end of junior year. This year, nearly 19,200 students across Illinois earned the State Scholar designation, which was first introduced in 1958.
“This is the largest number of students McGivney has had honored as Illinois State Scholars since the school’s inception,” said Bobbie Madura, Director of Student Services. “This achievement reflects not only our students’ dedication and hard work, but also the rigorous academic environment and support provided by our faculty and staff as they prepare students for success beyond high school.”
The following FMCHS students were named 2026-27 Illinois State Scholars: Natalie Beck, Elise Bishop, Madilyn Collignon, Gretchen Ertel, Kaitlyn Foppe, Anastasia Hasenstab, Chase Jansen, Caden Kohl, Erin Kretzer, Mia Lieberman, Grace Lubeck, Grace Nesbit, Sebastian Noronha, Zoe Oller, Lawson Reeves, Aidan Schmidt, Connor Schmidt, Liam Schmidt, Eve Stanhaus, Alexandra Uram and Elizabeth Wade.
Each state scholar designee will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC and Certificates of Achievement. Students can download an official Illinois State Scholar badge to display on their online profiles and social media platforms, as well as share it with their high school counselors, colleges, employers, family members, and others.
The Illinois State Scholar designation is an academic honor and does not include a monetary award.
