Hononegah Student Makes Tribune’s All-State Academic Team [VIDEO]

A huge congratulations goes out to Hononegah senior Sam Collins, who's among the elite few chosen to be a part of the Chicago Tribune's All-State Academic Team.

What makes Collins so special? The Tribune explains:

Winners were chosen from an elite group of nominees from Illinois' high schools. To rise to the top, students had to have more than a perfect SAT score or an off-the-charts GPA. Each winner also had to demonstrate leadership, show a record of achievements and write a creative essay. From 70 finalists, 10 winners were chosen to each receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Chicago Tribune Foundation, which supports civic, educational, cultural and journalistic efforts.

Collins is on the soccer and track teams for the Indians and held the title of captain for both squads. He's at the top of his class of 517 at Hononegah with a GPA of 4.927 and plans to attend Notre Dame in the fall.

Check out the video the Chicago Tribune put together:

Sam Collins from Chicago Tribune on Vimeo.

The full write-up is right here. Also a hearty congratulations to Jason Pierce of Rochelle Township High School, who was named All-State academic runner-up.