State Scholar Honors Awarded to EPHS Students

Congratulations to the 19 Elmwood Park High School seniors who have been named 2026-27 Illinois State Scholars in recognition of their academic excellence!

The honor, conferred by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), goes to those students who rank in approximately the top 10 percent of graduating seniors from high schools throughout the state each year.

The selection of Illinois State Scholars is based on a combination of ACT/SAT test scores, class rank (if the school ranks) or unweighted GPA (if the school does not rank), and class size. Detailed information about how Illinois State Scholars are selected is available at the ISAC website.

“To be named an Illinois State Scholar is an outstanding accomplishment that will be a highlight of the recipient’s academic record,” according to ISAC's description of the program.

While the program does not provide a monetary award, the designation as an Illinois State Scholar can be listed on applications for college admission and scholarships.

Congratulations to the following members of the EPHS Class of 2026!

• Aziza Abdrafikova
• Fernando Arceo Romero
• Camilla Budzyna
• Ayleen Carrion
• Kornel Czerwiec
• Claire Doyle
• Anastasia Ivanylo
• Ximlu Mainit
• Kinga Marek
• Maria Martin De La Torre
• Beanie Martinico
• Ashley Nettelhorst
• Jairus Ponce
• Ewelina Swiderski
• Matthew Valle
• Damian Vojtech
• Karolina Wojdyla
• Thomas Zelasco
• Maximilian Ziuzia

Each student designated as a State Scholar receives a congratulatory letter, a certificate of achievement and statewide recognition in the news media.

Honorees also receive access to a digital Illinois State Scholar badge issued by ISAC. The badge can be displayed on a State Scholar's online profiles and social media accounts, and it can be shared with high school counselors, prospective colleges, employers, family members and others.

The year designation given to State Scholars (2026-27) applies to the year students will begin their postsecondary education.

Congrats again to our honorees and their proud families! Go Tigers!