Presidential Scholars Chosen at Illinois State University

Date: 7/17/07
Contact: Marc Lebovitz

Students from across Illinois have been chosen as Presidential Scholars at Illinois State University. The highest award made to incoming students, a Presidential Scholarship provides $8,000 for each of four years, a total of $32,000.

Recipients study abroad one term, complete a 130-hour service learning project in a community setting, complete a special set of general education courses and fulfill Honors Program requirements. They generally develop individualized plans of study, work closely with faculty on research projects and assume campus leadership roles.

In fall 2006, approximately 300 exemplary high school students were invited to complete extensive applications for the scholarships. Finalists were invited to campus for a day of interviews and presentations.

The 29 Presidential Scholars, selected by a 10-person campus selection committee, had extraordinary high school records and admissions test scores, demonstrated extensive community and co-curricular involvements that often included leadership experiences and wrote compelling essays about their achievements and goals.

New Presidential Scholars are Kathryn Straub of Algonquin, Allison Saidat of Aurora, Jessica Wozniak of Carol Stream, Alexis Baldacci and Timothy Norman of Channahon, Mary Ryan of Danville, Rebecca Denney of El Paso, Katie Wright of Georgetown, Rebecca Saunders of Gurnee, Jordan Thompson of Kankakee, Emily Byrnes of La Crosse, Wis., Stephanie Halinski of Long Grove, Lindsay Clements of McLean, Ashley Collazo of Midlothian, Eliot Driver of Morrison, Simone Runyon of Naperville, Jonathan Dove of Oak Lawn, Danny Nai of Peoria, Christina Yessin of Plainfield, Andrew Cross and Trenton Ford of Roanoke, Mary Sedlock of Sherrard, Alisha Sudhamp of Sigel, Kelsey Coker of Taylorville and Kari Chesney of Woodridge.