Lake County Gazette

Lake Forest Community High School has announced that senior Elizabeth W. Silvay has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 National Merit Scholarship.

According to a press release, Silvay is one of 2,500 students nationwide chosen to receive the $2,500 scholarship, awarded to Finalists who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and strong potential for collegiate success. Selected from more than 15,000 Finalists, she plans to study chemical engineering at Dartmouth College. At Lake Forest Community High School (LFHS), Silvay has participated in the Math Team, French Club, JV Tennis, and Track & Field. She is also an accomplished downhill ski racer affiliated with Wilmot and Aspen Valley Ski Clubs. Earlier this year, she was named to the Illinois Ski Team and competed at the Western High School Championship.

In addition to her academic and athletic pursuits, Silvay earned the Seal of Biliteracy in French and serves as Secretary of the French Club. On the Math Team, she has acted as a presentationist by orally presenting complex solutions to judges. Her recognition by the National Merit Scholarship Program began with the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT, where she joined over 1.3 million entrants and ultimately rose to Finalist status—a distinction achieved by fewer than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Her scholarship is part of the second group of National Merit awards announced this spring.

Lake Forest High School was established in 1935 as a public secondary school in Lake Forest, Illinois, serving grades 9–12. Approximately 95% of its students pursue higher education with support from personalized instruction and a collaborative school environment. It serves the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood.

Lake Forest Community High School District 115 serves approximately 1,500 students from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood. The district offers a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, career pathways, and community service opportunities. Its curriculum includes advanced placement courses and specialized electives with access to athletics, performing arts, and various clubs.