By Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. — A graduate of Victor J. Andrew High School is the recipient of a Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Academic Scholarship.

T.J. Jannak, (Jan-eck), the son of Anna and Tanes Jannak of Tinley Park, is one of 25 graduating high school seniors selected as 2012 SIU Carbondale Chancellor Academic Scholars. An Illinois State Scholar and member of the National Honor Society, Jannak earned academic excellence awards and was in the top 20 percent of his class each of his four years in high school. He was also involved with his school’s choir, musicals, and plays, and German club, and a member of the German Honor Society. He was also on the varsity swimming and water polo teams.

Jannak plans to major in business.

The competitive scholarships, the most prestigious and most comprehensive that the University awards each year, cover tuition, fees, and room and board for four years at the University. The award is renewable for all for years as long as the student maintains at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The scholarship is worth approximately $80,000.

Each scholarship is based on information that includes ACT or SAT scores and class rank provided at admission. Candidates also go through an interview process. The applicants show leadership roles in their community and participate in numerous activities. Successful applicants will be those viewed as becoming effective leaders who will continue to excel in the classroom along with showing exceptional leadership skills both on campus and throughout the community. There were almost 250 applications received, with 100 scholarship semifinalists invited to interviews in February.

A list of the 24 other 2012 Chancellor Academic Scholars is available at news.siu.edu/2012/05/051712par12087.html.