Great Illinois Grads: Amazing Mom, 'Gentle Giant,' Overcoming The Odds

ILLINOIS — It's the time of year to recognize the achievements of the latest crop of graduates — whether they're finishing eighth grade, high school or heading into their careers after finishing college — and Illinois has no shortage of standout students.

Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to recognize Illinois' outstanding 2024 graduates. From a mom who went back to school as an adult — and graduated while battling cancer — to a student who overcame a rough start in life to focus on academics and a little brother who's been big on lending a hand, here are just a few of the recent entries submitted by Illinois Patch readers.

Know an outstanding student who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.

'Inspiring' IL Mom Graduates College Despite 'Immense Challenges'

Suburban mom Sarah just graduated from college after deciding to go back to school at age 36 — but that's not all, her child wrote.

"When she realized she wouldn’t be able to help me financially through college, she took a brave step. At 36, she enrolled in college herself in 2020, determined to create a better future for our family. In 2023, just five classes short of graduation, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer."

But Sarah didn't give up — she kept pushing through her courses while she battled cancer and graduated with a perfect GPA.

"She is my hero," her child wrote.

Exceptional Student Overcame Rough Start: Grad Shoutout

One suburban high school grad not only overcame adversity on his path to college — he also got a job to help his single mother out.

"Michael is an exceptional student who overcame an unstable home environment," his grandmother wrote, adding he loved the stability school provided him. "Books, his laptop and his teachers helped him realize the importance of education. Attending school kept him out of gangs, drugs, trouble with the law and off the streets."

Now, Michael is a high school graduate, and his grandmother is sure of one thing: "He won't let us down. Period."

Hard-Working Teen Is An 'Angel' To Family: Grad Shoutout

"He lost his dad to cancer at age 9, but never let that hinder him from his goals," Justin's sister said. "Basketball was always his first love, but football became his main love and he thrived in the game as one of the top-ranked defensive players in the state of Illinois."

Now, his sister said, she's fighting her own cancer battle, and Justin has been there for her: "Justin has always been here for me when I needed him, whether it's coming over to play with his two nephews Eric-age 6 and Milo-age 3 who love him to death, so I can get some rest, or just coming over to take my garbage out cause some days I'm too weak to do it, he finds the time."

In the fall, Justin heads to Roosevelt University on a football and academic scholarship.

'Epitome Of Grit And Resilience': 2024 Grad Shouted Out

A high honors student and three-sport athlete, "Afrika embodies the definition of success in every way possible," one of her teachers and mentors wrote.

The local teen is also a volunteer at her local church, where she leads Creative Praise Dance. Her teacher added that she is now interning for the African American Business Association before she leaves for college in the fall.

'Gentle Giant' Takes On Big Brother Role: Grad Shoutout

Middle school grad Noah "is the kindest kid I ever met," his mom writes, adding that he has taken on a big brother role, helping kids who have been bullied or are having problems in school.

She adds that he embodies "persistence against all odds."

Suburban Grad 'Learned To Dance In The Rain' During Tough Times

Headed to DePaul University in the fall, Zoey's mom writes that she plans to study TV/media/film, and she started the first credit class for social media/film at her high school.

"Zoey didn’t have it easy as her grandfather ... passed away suddenly in 2021," her mom wrote. "Zoey had to move and start over, and she learned life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, but learned how to dance in the rain and that she did."

Record-Breaking Student-Athlete Deserves A Shoutout

Recent high school grad Lauren graduated summa cum laude and earned the MVP award for track at her school.

"She was the only female who qualified for state championship in both indoor and outdoor track," her grandmother wrote. "She also holds 2 school records."

The teen will head to the University of Illinois in the fall studying animal science.

Grad Balances Work, School To Earn Degree

Courtney earned her bachelor's degree while juggling both her classes and a full-time job.

"Courtney is such a hard worker and self-motivated to do her best," her parents wrote.

High School Grad Overcomes Obstacles

"Tessa early in high school had to overcome the obstacle of having panic attacks when taking tests or speaking in front of the classroom," her parents told Patch.

But the teen worked through it and learned skills to manage her anxiety — and now she'll head off to college in the fall.

"Her Mom and Dad could not be more proud of what she has accomplished and what she will continue to accomplish."