PERU — St. Bede Academy Principal Michelle Mershon announced 12 Academy students have been recognized as 2013-14 Illinois State Scholars.

The prestigious award is given annually by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) which recognizes high school students from across the state. Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top ten percent of high school seniors from 749 high schools across the state. Selection is based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work in conjunction with ISAC to determine the winners.

The honored students include: Grant Bosnich (DePue Junior High) of DePue, Samuel Brolley (Washington Junior High) of Peru, Marcus Cirone (John F. Kennedy of Spring Valley, Brandon Criss (Haines Middle School) of St. Charles, Emily Haas (Henry Grade School) of Putnam, Eric Li (Peru Catholic) of Peru, Samuel Lucas (Putnam County) of Hennepin, Jacob Postula (Dimmick School) of LaSalle, Lydia Stariha (Trinity) of LaSalle, Claudia Szczepaniak (Washington Junior High) of Peru, Lauren Urbanowski (Dimmick School) of Peru and Steven Zhang (Peru Washington) of Peru.