The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has officially announced the 26 students selected to the prestigious 2026 IHSA All-State Academic Team, recognizing some of the top scholar-athletes from across the state of Illinois.
Among those honored from the areas we cover are three standout students who were named to the 2026 IHSA All-State Academic Honorable Mention Team: Alex Davis – Taylorville High School, Lillie Jones – Taylorville High School, and Tessa Bowers – Shelbyville High School. Their recognition highlights the strong academic and extracurricular excellence represented in our local schools.
Honorees will be recognized at a banquet in Bloomington on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
“The students named to the IHSA All-State Academic Team embody what education-based athletics and activities are all about,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Stacy Lambert. “They have challenged themselves in the classroom, committed to their teams and organizations, and found ways to give back to their schools and communities. Excelling at such a high level in all of these areas requires discipline and heart, and we are incredibly proud to recognize them as representatives of the IHSA and the state of Illinois.”
Each IHSA member school was invited to nominate one female student and one male student for consideration. To qualify, nominees were required to have a minimum 3.50 grade point average on a 4.0 scale after their seventh semester, participate in at least two IHSA-sponsored sports or activities during each of the last two years of high school, and demonstrate outstanding citizenship.
The selection process is highly competitive. Nominations were evaluated by a committee made up of IHSA principals, athletic directors, and activities directors. Initially, one male and one female student from each of the seven IHSA Board of Directors divisions were selected. The final 12 spots on the team were filled by at-large candidates from anywhere in the state.
Being named to the IHSA All-State Academic Team — or earning honorable mention honors — is a significant accomplishment, reflecting a dedication to excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.
Congratulations to Alex Davis, Lillie Jones, and Tessa Bowers on this outstanding achievement.