L-W East Student Named IHSA All-Academic

A student has been selected to the 2011-12 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-State Academic Team.

Jake Emmerick, a senior from Mokena, was one of 26 students selected from across the state to join the All-State Academic Team. More than 450 students were nominated for the award.

“Jake is one of the most well-rounded, dedicated and hard working individuals I have had in my career as a guidance counselor,” Lincoln-Way East guidance counselor Eric Doornkaat wrote in a letter  to the IHSA Academic All State Committee.

“In addition to a highly stressful and demanding college preparatory schedule, Jake takes part in Mu Alpha Theta, Peer Helpers and is a current member of the National Honor Society,” he added. “Additionally, Jake was recognized as an Illinois State Scholar. He also displays his outstanding leadership skills as a three-sport athlete in our Varsity Boy’s Golf, Volleyball and Basketball programs.”

Students who earn the distinction of being an IHSA All-Academic are selected based on their grade point averages, their involvement in IHSA sponsored sports or activities and their citizenship.

They are nominated by their IHSA member schools and need to possess a minimum 3.50 grade point average on a 4.0 scale after their 7th semester, have participated in at least two IHSA sponsored sports or activities during each of the last two years and demonstrated outstanding citizenship.

Jake ranks No. 33 in his graduating class of 518 students and has been taking Honors/Advanced Placement courses since his freshman year. By the time he graduates in June, Jake will have taken 15 Honors/Advanced Placement courses. In addition, he has a cumulative grade point average of 4.710 out of a possible 4.0; he scored a 34 composite score on his ACT.

“Lincoln-Way East High School has many talented students,” said Lincoln-Way East teacher and boys golf coach Ryan Pohlmann, “but Jake has stood out among them all. He has left his mark on Lincoln-Way East and has proven to be a student that has set a positive example for those that follow.

“He has built a foundation for success in whatever he chooses to pursue after high school,” he continued. “I can think of no one who has given (or received) more from high school, in such a short time, than Jake Emmerick.”

Jake was asked in the selection process to describe what he has learned from sports and activities.

He explained each sport taught him something different. Golf, for example, taught him honesty and integrity. Basketball, which did not come naturally to the student athlete, taught him desire and dedication. Volleyball taught him to lead by example.

“My sports have come to define who I am,” he said.  “They have given me the ability to focus myself on a goal and do whatever it takes to achieve it. They have instilled values upon me, which I will carry forever.”

The All-State Academic Team member will be honored at a banquet April 16 in Bloomington.