Will County Gazette

State Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) congratulated the more than 400 South Suburban high school students who were recognized for their academic achievements and won the Illinois Student Assistance Commission's 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars. 

Winners are picked based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or GPA at the end of their junior year and are in the Top 10% of all seniors from 676 high schools in all Illinois' 102 counties, according to a release on Hastings' website. 

"Those who excel in the classroom in high school set themselves up well for a lifetime of success," Hastings said in an April 29 Facebook post. "These remarkable young people always deserve recognition for their hard work — but even more so as they persevered to emerge from a global pandemic as one of our state's brightest. Congratulations to all!" 

High school guidance counselors work with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to help select recipients of the award.

Among this year's winners were seniors from seven high schools in the South Suburbs including Hillcrest High School, Southland College Prep Charter High School, Tinley Park High School, Victor J. Andrew High School, Providence Catholic High School, Lincoln-Way Central High School, and Lincoln-Way East High School.

Award recipients will receive a Certificate of Achievement and a letter from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission as well as a digital badge that can be displayed on social media platforms.