CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A group of 24 high school students in Champaign recently garnered accolades for receiving awards from a respected national initiative.
According to a press release from the Champaign Unit 4 School District, these two dozen students have been honored with the 2026 College Board National Recognition Program School Recognition Award. This prestigious accolade highlights their exceptional academic achievements and applauds their unwavering “commitment to excellence.”
The school district noted that the College Board National Recognition Program boosts students’ visibility in the college admissions process by acknowledging their academic prowess and connecting them with colleges and scholarship opportunities throughout the nation.
These students from Central High School have been recognized for this prestigious award:
- Urvi Banerjee
Additionally, the following Centennial High School students were award recipients:
- Carol Stanley
This award was introduced in 2025 and celebrates students who demonstrated academic excellence in their school community. To qualify, a student must score among the top 10% of their high school’s test takers on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 and/or earn a 3+ on two or more distinct AP exams by 10th grade.
For schools with fewer than 20 test takes, the top 10% will be calculated across all small schools in the geographic region.
“Champaign Unit 4 Schools congratulates these students on this outstanding accomplishment and hard work,” the district said in its release. “Their achievements reflect the dedication of our students, educators, families, and school communities.”