Two area student-athletes have been named to the 2026 IHSA All-State Academic Honorable Mention Team, recognized among 50 students statewide for excellence in academics, athletics, and citizenship.
Lily Furrow of Galesburg Jr./Sr. High School and Aiden Martin of United High School in Monmouth were selected from nominees across Illinois. The Illinois High School Association announced the honorees, who will be recognized at a banquet in Bloomington on Sunday, April 12.
“The students named to the IHSA All-State Academic Team embody what education-based athletics and activities are all about,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Stacy Lambert. “They have challenged themselves in the classroom, committed to their teams and organizations, and found ways to give back to their schools and communities.”
Nominees needed to possess a minimum 3.50 grade point average on a 4.0 scale after their seventh semester, have participated in at least two IHSA-sponsored sports or activities during each of the last two years of high school, and demonstrated outstanding citizenship.
Lily Furrow – Galesburg High School
Furrow is a four-year participant in swimming, basketball, and track at Galesburg. She is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as vice president of the Spanish Honor Society. She is also involved in Project Graduatiion and serves as an FCA leader.
Her athletic achievements include being named to the IADA All-State Team and the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America All-American Team.
“I’m thrilled that Lily was named to the 2026 IHSA All-State Academic Honorable Mention Team,” said Nick Young, Galesburg High School athletic director. “It’s easy to see her drive and passion in the athletic arena, but this honor validates her ability to go above and beyond in the classroom too. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a Silver Streak student-athlete and do it with excellence.”
Aiden Martin – United High School
Martin is a three-sport athlete at United, competing in golf, baseball, and basketball. An active member of FFA, he has achieved honors in FFA competitions throughout the year.
On the golf course, Martin competed at the top of United’s varsity lineup, winning a tournament and placing in the top three multiple times. He earned All-Conference honors and will continue his golf career in college next year. In baseball, Martin has been a three-year starter and part of three conference championship teams. He is among the program’s all-time leaders in innings pitched and holds the school record for ERA in a season at 0.69.
Martin has appeared on the Lincoln Trail Conference Academic All-Conference Team across all sports seasons and has been a member of the National Honor Society for several years.
“Aiden Martin has established himself as a true Renaissance Man amongst his peers and fellow classmates,” said Ryan Molek, United High School assistant principal and head baseball coach. “Academically, Aiden is highly motivated and disciplined. He challenges himself with rigorous coursework and approaches his studies with focus, curiosity, and a strong work ethic.”
The IHSA All-State Academic Team includes 26 members and 50 honorable mention recipients. Every IHSA member school was invited to nominate one female student and one male student for the honor.
