5 Illinois Students Making The Land Of Lincoln Proud

ILLINOIS — Illinois is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.

Check out five exceptional Illinois students making a big impact. And if you know a student who deserves a shoutout, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured as a Star Student on Patch!

Saavini Bedida, Emma Jenkins and Jillian Mannisto (Neuqua Valley High School) —Neuqua students won Outstanding Achievement in Cinema and the Audience Choice Award for their film "FriendZone" at the Student Silent Film Festival in January. All submitted movies were shown with live music accompaniment. Neuqua students competed with teens from 11 Chicago-area high schools. Read more here.

Aditya Lakkamsani (Northbrook) — Lakkamsani, a native of Northbrook and a member of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2025, was one of 208 in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program to match for residency. Lakkamsani will begin Internal Medicine residency at Advocate Health Care-IL in Park Ridge, IL, after commencement in May. Read more here.

Hannah Mroch (Manhattan) — For the last several years, 9-year-old Hannah and her mother decided they'd bake cookies for Manhattan's Youth Entrepreneur Market—an effort by the Village to highlight and support young local entrepreneurs. Hannah decided from the first year, though, that she'd donate her proceeds to a cause. In her first year, Hannah chose to donate proceeds from her "giant" cookie sales to a family friend battling lymphoma. Other beneficiaries have included the American Heart Association and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Read more here.

Kevin Bisbee (Minooka) — Kevin, a senior at Minooka Community High School in District 111, has been honored with the March award for the 2025 Channahon-Minooka Rotary Club March Student of the Month. Kevin maintains a 4.13 GPA, is a National Honor Society member and a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, and baseball. Outside of school, he plays travel baseball and volunteers as a youth coach, umpire, and at local organizations. Kevin's dedication to academics, athletics, and community service earned recognition from school officials and that Kevin plans to attend Iowa State University to study mechanical engineering. He hopes to build a strong career in the manufacturing industry and remains committed to giving back to his community. Read more here.

Alanur Mescioglu (Plainfield) — The Ira Jones Middle School seventh-grader is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May to represent Will County. Alanur bested 29 competitors at the Will County Regional Spelling Bee to advance to the national bee the week of May 25th in Washington, D.C. The competition at Lincoln-Way West High Schoollasted nine rounds, with Alanur spelling "polyester" to win. Scripps is one of the oldest in the country and will be celebrating its centennial this spring. Read more here.

These exceptional students are just a glimpse of the incredible talent in Illinois. The future is certainly looking bright! If you know a Star Student making an impact in your community, nominate them today to be featured on Patch!