EFFINGHAM - Nine students at St. Anthony High School have been named 2008 State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The State Scholar program recognizes Illinois high school students for outstanding academic achievement.  

St. Anthony seniors selected are: Jonathan Day, son of Rick and Jane Day of St. Elmo; Hannah Esker, daughter of Lou and Darlene Esker of Effingham; Jenna Goeckner, daughter of Kent and Susan Goeckner of Effingham; Nicole Haarmann, daughter of Tom and Janet Haarmann of Effingham; Maria Jansen, daughter of Stan and Kathy Jansen of Edgewood; Andrew Koester, son of Chris and Dana Koester of Effingham; Megan McDevitt, daughter of Doug and Kelly McDevitt of Effingham; Kyle McHugh, son of John and Patty McHugh of Effingham; and Nicole Rutledge, daughter of Jim and Lori Rutledge of Effingham.

Students ranking in the top 10 percent of the state's 147,000 high school graduating seniors have been named State Scholars. Selection is based on SAT I and/or ACT test score results and/or the students' class rank at the end of the junior year of high school. While the program does not provide a monetary award, qualified students are encouraged to list the honor on applications for college admissions and scholarships.