FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 21, 2026
MOUNT PULASKI HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCES 2026-2027
ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS
Illinois Student Assistance Commission Congratulates 3 MPHS Students for Their Exceptional Academic Accomplishments
Mount Pulaski, IL – Mount Pulaski High School Principal, Heather Fricke, is pleased to announce that three students from the MPHS graduating class of 2026 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars.
Congratulations to: Eric Cooper, Franklin Wade, & Charity Woodford
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, is pleased to announce the 2026-27 Illinois State Scholars. 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 ten percent of graduates from Illinois high schools. Nearly 19,200 students from 686 high schools have been designated for this honor.
“ISAC proudly congratulates this year’s Illinois State Scholars for their commitment to excellence,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow. “Their dedication will continue to benefit them in college and beyond. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the families, educators, and communities who support and guide these students every day.”
Each State Scholar designee receives a congratulatory letter from ISAC and can download an official Illinois State Scholar badge to display on their online profiles and social media platforms, as well as share with their high school counselors, colleges, employers, family members, and others. The Illinois State Scholar recognition does not include a monetary award.