Civic Memorial Senior Earns Prestigious Illinois State Scholarship

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Civic Memorial High School senior Jude Breyer has been awarded the prestigious Jesse W. Fell Scholarship from Illinois State University, where he has also been admitted into the university's Honors Program. Breyer, who plans to major in English, has excelled academically, served as team captain of the school's bowling team, and held leadership roles in several extracurricular clubs.

Why it matters

The Jesse W. Fell Scholarship is Illinois State University's highest honor for incoming students, recognizing exceptional academic performance, leadership, character, and promise. Breyer's accomplishments highlight the caliber of students at Civic Memorial High School and the opportunities available to them at the university level.

The details

In addition to earning the Jesse W. Fell Scholarship, Breyer has been recognized as an Illinois State Scholar and Silver Medallion recipient, distinctions awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic excellence statewide. He was also nominated for the 2026 IHSA All-State Academic Team, an honor recognizing one male and one female student per school who exemplify achievement in academics, athletics, and leadership. Outside the classroom, Breyer serves as president of the Spanish National Honor Society, president of the Spanish Club, and president of the Creative Writing Club.

• Breyer is a senior at Civic Memorial High School in the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Breyer has been admitted to Illinois State University, where he plans to major in English and participate in the university's Honors Program.

What’s next

Breyer is expected to compete in the upcoming tennis season at Civic Memorial High School before beginning his studies at Illinois State University in the fall.