Saint Bede Academy Announces 7 Illinois State Scholars

This year’s Illinois State Scholars are Ryan Soliman (front row, from left), Noah Buck, Lillian Soliman, Yannis Yong (bow row, from left), AJ Hermes, Harrison Fess and Jillian Pinter.

Saint Bede Academy is proud to announce that seven outstanding members of the Class of 2026 have been designated Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

The Illinois State Scholar designation is a prestigious recognition given to top Illinois high school students who possess exemplary academic achievement. Selection is based on a combination of ACT or SAT scores and sixth-semester class rank. The award acknowledges students' hard work and academic excellence throughout their high school careers.

ISAC designates students as Illinois State Scholars who rank in approximately the top 10 percent of all high school graduates in Illinois each academic year.

Congratulations to the 2026-27 Saint Bede Academy Illinois State Scholars:

Noah Buck (Trinity Catholic Academy) son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Buck of Peru.

Harrison Fess (Holy Family) son of Mr. Frederick and Dr. Kara Fess of Utica.

Aiden (AJ) Hermes (Trinity Catholic Academy) son of Mr. & Mrs. Jim Hermes of Peru.

Jillian Pinter (Peru Catholic) daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Pinter of LaMoille.

Lillian Soliman (Holy Cross) daughter of Mr. Shawn and Dr. Amy Soliman of Mendota.

Ryan Soliman (Holy Cross) son of Mr. Shawn and Dr. Amy Soliman of Mendota.

Yannis Yong (Trinity Catholic Academy) son of Mr. Promise Yong of Laveen, Arizona and Ms. Zita Yong of Ashburn, Virginia.

“These scholars have shown exceptional dedication to their studies, and we are delighted to see them recognized among Illinois’ finest,” said Dr. David Lawrence, Principal of Saint Bede Academy. “Their achievements not only reflect their individual talent and determination, but also the spirit of Saint Bede. Our Saint Bede community couldn’t be prouder of these outstanding scholars and all they have accomplished.”

Strengthening International Partnerships Across Asia

Marcia Wagner, Dean of Residential Programs at Saint Bede Academy, recently completed a two-week outreach tour across Asia, meeting with families, students and educational partners to highlight the unique opportunities available at Saint Bede.

Her travels took her to Seoul, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue City, where she connected with educational agents and prospective families interested in St. Bede’s strong academic programs, caring environment and vibrant boarding community. Wagner shared how Saint Bede’s residential program welcomes students from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, creating a diverse and supportive home away from home. This global mix of students enriches campus life, allowing all students to learn from one another and build lifelong friendships across continents.

Wagner concluded her trip with a visit to Saint Bede’s partner school, Kinglee/Best Education, in Zhengzhou, China. She met with 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and their families, answering questions about academic pathways, residential life and the transition to studying in the U.S. Her visit strengthened the longstanding collaboration between the two schools and reinforced Saint Bede’s dedication to supporting international students from their earliest stages of planning.

Her outreach tour reflects Saint Bede Academy’s commitment to building meaningful global relationships and inviting students from around the world to join its diverse, welcoming and transformative school community in Illinois.

Saint Bede selects 2025-26 DAR/SAR Award Winners

Senior Emma Slingsby is the Dar Good Citizenship Award winner and Senior Weston Heersink is the SAR Good Citizenship Award winner.

The faculty and students of Saint Bede Academy have selected seniors Emma Slingsby and Weston Heersink as the 2025-2026 winners of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) Good Citizenship awards.

Slingsby is the daughter of John and Christine Slingsby of Ladd and a graduate of Ladd Grade School. She was selected for the DAR award based on her ability to show courtesy to others, loyalty, truthfulness and self-control; with the ability to assume responsibility. The DAR award is sponsored by the Princeton-Illinois Chapter NSDAR and presented annually to an outstanding senior based on dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.

Slingsby is a four-year, three-sport athlete in volleyball, cheer and softball. In softball, she has been named second team all-conference freshman year, honorable mention all-conference sophomore and junior year, third team all-state junior year and Class 1A State Champion freshman year. She is a winner of the HOBY Award and a member of the Tea Club, Rotary Club and Student Ambassadors. She has volunteered for Special Olympics, SBA concessions stand, Moose Pizza Night and softball and volleyball summer camps. Slingsby plans on attending the University of Iowa for pre-veterinary medicine. Her long range goals are to graduate with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and return to the Illinois Valley to practice locally.

Heersink is the son of Elizabeth Ash of Peru and a graduate of Holy Family School. He was selected for the SAR award based on his ability to display a cooperative spirit, politeness, sincerity, respect for others and academic excellence. The SAR award is sponsored by the Captain Zeally Moss Chapter for Bureau County and is presented annually to an exceptional senior based on dependability, leadership, service to their school and community, evidence of personal values and patriotism.

Heersink is a four-year athlete in football at the academy. He is also involved in basketball, tennis and wrestling, in which he received Rookie of the Year. In addition, he earned certificates of excellence in English 2, world history and U.S. history. Heersink is a member of the Stage Rats, Student Ambassadors and SBA Student Government. He has volunteered for the TBM Avenger Airshow, Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, several SBA sports camps and the blood drive to support the Red Cross. Heersink has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He hopes to become a combat engineer and serve his country. His long-range goal is to become a carpenter.  He hopes to have a family and live on a ranch where they can raise and enjoy horses.

Double the Leadership: Saint Bede’s First-Ever Co-Presidents Make History

A.H. Hermes ‘26 and Emerald De La Torre ’26 are Saint Bede’s first-ever student government co-presidents.

For the first time in Saint Bede history, the senior class has two class presidents—and they’re proving that two heads really are better than one.

Last spring’s student government election ended in an unprecedented dead tie between A.J. Hermes ’26 and Emerald De La Torre ’26.

“When the results first came out, I was in confusion and began questioning the odds of it being an exact split,” A.J. recalled. “I was grateful to be elected but also surprised by the outcome.”

Emerald remembers the suspense vividly. “When our former president started with, ‘For the first time ever in Saint Bede history,’ I knew something big was coming,” she said. “Once it hit me that we’d be co-presidents, I felt nothing but excitement. It was history being made right in front of us.”

Student Government Sponsor Megan Theisinger ’09 had a front-row seat to the nail-biter.

“I was watching the responses roll in all day,” she said. “Neither of them was ever ahead by more than two or three votes. When the votes stopped climbing, it was a complete tie.”

What happened next became a civics lesson in real time.

“Our executive board met to decided what to do,” Megan explained. “Students suggested everything from repolling to extending the deadline, but they ultimately decided the tie should stand. They believed A.J. and Emerald both had the qualities they were seeking in their leaders, and I agreed wholeheartedly. It was a powerful reminder that every vote counts.”

Since then, the pair has embraced the challenge and opportunity that comes with shared leadership.

“Our co-president experience has been very productive,” A.J. said. “We’ve been able to work together as a team and easily settle our differences to guide the student government.”

Emerald agreed, crediting their complementary strengths.

“Where one of us falls short, the other steps up. We don’t compete, we collaborate and that’s why things have been running so smoothly. Spirit Day was a perfect example. We heard so many compliments about how seamlessly everything ran, and that success came directly from our teamwork,” she added.

The duo believes their success starts with open communication.

“The secret is strong communication - making sure everyone is on the same page and that everyone’s opinions are valued,” A.J. said.

Emerald added, “Having two presidents actually shows how powerful teamwork can be.”

Megan couldn’t be prouder.

“Their collaboration is impressive,” she said. “The school is in good hands with these leaders, and I’m excited to watch their leadership evolve here at Saint Bede and in whatever comes next.”

With their historic partnership off to such a strong start, A.J. and Emerald are eager to keep the momentum going.

Saint Bede Soccer Scores Historic Victory

History was made this past weekend as Saint Bede’s soccer team celebrated its first-ever varsity win, defeating Yorkville Christian High School. For Coach David Garcia, Saint Bede Spanish teacher and varsity coach, the victory was more than just a milestone - it was a reflection of a dream that has been years in the making.

Coach Garcia currently leads a roster of 18 players—14 boys and 4 girls, including several of our boarding students. The journey to this point has been shaped by both inspiration and perseverance.

“When I first spoke with a student who wanted to come to Saint Bede but chose another school because we didn’t have soccer, it weighed on me,” Garcia shared. “The same thing happened with my son, Moises. He wanted to enroll here but ended up elsewhere because there was no program. I knew something had to change.”

That change came last year, when Garcia took on the challenge of building a soccer program at Saint Bede.

For him, the goal extends far beyond wins and losses.

“My goal is showing the love of God through the soccer program. I want to share with Saint Bede students, interact with them and make a great impact in their lives as a coach and teacher,” he said.

Senior Alp Arslan serves as co-captain of the team. A boarding student from Turkey, Arslan brought prior experience with the sport when he joined the team last year. Watching the team grow and attract more players over the past year has been a rewarding experience for him.

“It’s been a great experience to play here at Saint Bede. It’s really exciting to now say we are part of Saint Bede history. I hope our program continues to grow and that more students give it a try,” he said.

Looking ahead, Garcia hopes to expand the program, including the possibility of establishing a girls’ soccer team in the near future.

The journey has not been without challenges. The team currently practices on uneven grounds and lacks dedicated facilities, equipment and assistant coaches. Yet Garcia remains faithful.

“All the sacrifices that staff, students and faculty are making together, combined with hope and faith, lead us to believe that one day Saint Bede will have a home soccer field,” he said.

Despite the hurdles, the program has already given Saint Bede students new opportunities, from building community to opening doors for potential college scholarships and even professional-level play.

The Bruins’ first varsity win is not just a victory on the scoreboard, it’s a testament to resilience, faith and the start of a bright new chapter in Saint Bede athletics.