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DAILY HERALD ACADEMIC TEAM
PURPOSE: To recognize the best and the brightest high school seniors in the Daily Herald
readership area. The Academic Team represents students who have consistently excelled in their
studies and have made a positive contribution to their schools and communities.
QUALIFICATIONS: High school seniors at public and private high schools who will graduate
in Spring 2012 are eligible. Students must be nominated by a school representative. Participating
schools are limited to two students.
Applicants should meet the following academic criteria:
1. Minimum SAT and/or ACT test scores: SAT = 2150; ACT = 32
2. GPA: Seven-semester cumulative GPA should equal top 1 percent of class ranking.
Nomination forms must be filled out completely and include the following: ACT/SAT scores;
cumulative GPA; rank on school GPA system; a list of all Advanced Placement classes; a list of
all academic honors; an accounting of all extracurricular activities. A one-page letter of
recommendation from a school official must be written at the bottom of the nomination form. A
one-page student essay, describing their accomplishments and life goals and how they relate,
also goes on the bottom of the nomination form.
To submit a student nomination, create an e-mail with the name of the student and the high
school in the subject line. Attach three attachments: the application form; the nominating form
(with essay and letter of recommendation included); and the student’s color head shot, a 200 dpi
JPEG.
Only Academic Team packages sent electronically will be accepted. The completed forms with
attachments must be e-mailed to academics@dailyherald.com by Friday, March 16.
JUDGING: Judges will review “blind” applications, with all references to applicant’s name,
school and hometown removed.
HONORS: Four regional teams – Northwest suburban, Lake County, DuPage County and Fox
Valley -- will be announced in a special section of the Daily Herald Neighbor section in midMay and winners will receive a commemorative medal. Nominated students who do not make
the teams will receive Honorable Mention certificates and also be included in the section.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Renee Trappe, assistant managing editor/local news; (847)
427-4468; academics@dailyherald.com.