Five St. Bede students named Illinois State Scholars

St. Bede Academy Illinois State Scholars are Isabella Hagenbuch (from left), Zachary Popurella, Logan Potthoff, Ali Bosnich and Ella Englehaupt.

PERU - The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) recognized high school seniors as 2024-25 Illinois State Scholars, including five students from St. Bede Academy. Illinois State Scholars represent the top 10 percent of high school seniors, from more than 21,000 high school students across the state.

Students receiving this honor possess strong academic potential and are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.  ISAC, the state agency committed to helping make college accessible and affordable for Illinois families, first introduced the Illinois State Scholar recognition program in 1958.

"The students selected for the Illinois State Scholar program have earned this recognition due to their hard work and their dedication to their studies,” said St. Bede Principal Nick McLaughlin. “We take great pride in our students and their ability to meet the standards and the requirements set forth by the Illinois State Scholar program and the commission each year."

The honored students named include:  

Ali Bosnich (previously attended Trinity Catholic), daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Mark Bosnich of LaSalle.

Ella Englehaupt (Ladd Grade School), daughter of Ms. Heather McCutcheon and Mr. Phillip Englehaupt, both of Ladd.

Isabella Hagenbuch (Holy Cross), daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Hagenbuch of Utica.

Zachary Popurella (Putnam County Junior High), son of Atty. & Mrs. Bradley Popurella of McNabb.

Logan Potthoff (Dalzell Grade School), son of Mr. & Mrs. Jack Potthoff of Spring Valley.