A group of 25 seniors at MV recently received recognition for their academic achievements by the Illinois State Scholar program.

Students selected were treated to a celebratory group photo in A Lobby on Friday, January 23.

Selected seniors have been reacting to their surprise recognition.

“I felt very honored to be recognized for the award,” said Alistair Clodi, ’26.

Expectations for the award varied, with some not knowing about the requirements and others seeing the recognition coming.

“I did not know how to qualify for the recognition, so it was not something I was aiming for directly,” Clodi continued.

“If I’m being honest, I was kind of indifferent but I kind of expected it,” Drake Hefner, ’26 described.

The State Scholar title is awarded in accordance to many factors.

According to iasc.org, the Illinois State Scholar title is given to seniors based on their ACT scores, GPA, and class rank.

“We submit all of our senior GPAs,” said MV counselor Mrs. Nealy Hamson.

Hamson explained that the IASC has a formula for calculating whether or not a senior will be awarded the State Scholar title.

“The only role [MV] has is providing the data,” Mrs. Hamson continued.

The recognition came as a surprise for some students, with many not knowing about the accolade before being awarded.

“I didn’t know it was even an award,” Hefner said.

“I was surprised because I was previously [unaware] of the award but it was cool to be acknowledged,” explained Nolan Mast, ’26.

Clodi also said that he was unaware of the State Scholars program before being elected.

Now that the photo has been taken after being postponed and the final list of scholars has been made, nominated seniors are now wondering what’s to come.

“I don’t really know what else goes along with it,” said Mast.

“It’s not a scholarship,” explained Mrs. Hamson. “There’s no monetary reward.”

“I [was] featured in a group photo with my fellow state scholars that will be featured and I can put it on college and scholarship applications to distinguish myself,” said Clodi.

Seniors selected for the Illinois State Scholars gained acknowledgement with the group photo.

“[State Scholars] is definitely a good resume builder,” Mrs. Hamson explained. “Definately an honor that means something.”

iasc.org states that students who earn the State Scholars title receive a certificate and statewide recognition.

About 19,200 high school seniors in Illinois are awarded each year, with those selected being recognized as being in the top 10% of Illinois students academically.

Mrs. Hamson said that she is proud to have 25 seniors be awarded for State Scholars this year.