GCHS Announces 2026-27 Illinois State Scholars

Granite City, Ill., March 16, 2026 – Granite City High School Principal Tim McChristian is pleased to announced that 14 students from the Granite City High School graduating class of 2026 have been designated as 2026-27 Illinois State Scholars for their outstanding academic achievement, as announced by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). 

The students will be recognized at the Granite City Community Unit School District #9 School Board Meeting on March 24, 2026.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the state’s college access and financial aid agency, confers this important recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students annually since 1958. This year, nearly 19,200 students from 686 high schools have been designated for this honor.

2026-27 GCHS Illinois State Scholars
Toby Clements
Emilee Connolly
Melody Hang
Ayden Hankins
McKenna Karpowecz
Myla Layne
Lily Meyenburg
Polly Nipper
Marik Pickerell
Spencer Sipes
Katelynn Strubelt
William Taylor
Avery Wallace
Kya Wonders 

State scholars are chosen each year based on their ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank and are honored for their remarkable academic achievements. These talented students rank in approximately the top-10 percent of graduates from Illinois high schools. 

The Illinois State Scholar designation is a non-monetary award. Each State Scholar will receive a congratulatory letter and a Certificate of Achievement from ISAC.

For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net.