Forty-two percent of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart’s graduating class of 2022 are among high school seniors being honored as Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) State Scholars. This designation recognizes exceptional academic achievement that indicates an especially high potential for success in college.

Woodlands Academy’s Illinois State Scholars this year are Berkeley Borkert, of West Dundee; Brandy Brennan, of Waukegan; Lily Hinojosa, of Wadsworth; Scarlett Montalvo, of Waukegan; Caitlin Mooney, of Chicago; Abby Moravek, of  Libertyville; Agnes O’Toole, of Chicago; Lillard Preschlack, of Lake Forest; Pascale Ricketts, of Wilmette; Stephanie Smith, of Winnetka; and Charlotte Sparks, of Chicago.

 “I am so very proud of our State Scholars for achieving this recognition of all their hard work and outstanding academic performance during their years at Woodlands Academy,” Head of School Dawn Nichols, Ed.D., said. “I’d also like to thank the members of our faculty for creating an environment here that prepares girls for college and beyond by empowering them to lead, compete, engage and explore.”

The Illinois State Scholar designation is a non-monetary award. Each State Scholar honoree receives a congratulatory letter and  Certificate of Achievement from ISAC and can download an official Illinois State Scholar badge to display on his or her online profiles and social media platforms. It also can be shared with their high school counselors, colleges, employers and others.

“On behalf of ISAC, congratulations to all of the Illinois State Scholars for their hard work and commitment inside and outside of the classroom,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow. “In the past two years students and families have faced unprecedented difficulties because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The achievements of these students are a credit to their perseverance and resilience as well as the support and encouragement of their families, principals, teachers, mentors, counselors and others invested in their growth and success.” 

Located in Lake Forest, Woodlands Academy is an independent, Catholic day-and-boarding, college-preparatory school for young women of all faiths grades nine through 12. It’s part of a network of more than 150 schools in 41 countries on six continents (25 schools in the U.S and Canada). For more information, visit www.woodlandsacademy.org.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission helps make college accessible and affordable for students throughout Illinois. It does this by providing comprehensive, objective and timely information on education and financial aid for students and their families. To learn more, visit www.isac.org.