Crespo honors local Illinois State Scholars

State Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) today honored area high school students who were recently named “Illinois State Scholars” for the Class of 2011 by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top ten percent of the state's high school seniors and hail from 749 high schools in every corner of Illinois. Selection is based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work with ISAC to identify these top academic performers.

“I am very proud of these students from our community who earned this prestigious statewide designation,” said Crespo. “It's a tribute not only to these hard-working young men and women, but also their families, teachers, and high school administrators who all play a roll in instilling academic success.”

The State Scholars from Crespo's district include students attending two area high schools, including Streamwood High School and Hoffman Estates High School. At least a half million Illinois State Scholars have been recognized in the past 50 years, including 17,335 this year.

“Excellent high school grades are tremendously important for laying the groundwork for future college success,” said ISAC executive director Andrew Davis. “Illinois State Scholars are the best and the brightest in our state's high schools, and we salute them, their families and their teachers on this achievement.”

Rep. Crespo is also encouraging high school students and their parents to visit ISAC's website (www.collegezone.com) for more information about available college financial assistance programs. The site also offers career counseling services, a planning timeline, virtual campus tours and online applications.