Skip To Main Content
The Avery Coonley School Logo

ACS Recognized for Student Leadership and Innovation

The Avery Coonley School is proud to announce that the extraordinary accomplishments of its students have been recognized by some of Illinois’ most prominent leaders. The school recently received congratulatory letters from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, and Congressman Sean Casten, recognizing the achievements and impact of Avery Coonley students in sustainability, emerging technology, and innovation.

MS Students working on a Quantum Computing project

 

View the letters – HERE

Over the past three years, Avery Coonley students have earned seven national awards for sustainability and environmental innovation, establishing the school as a national leader in student-driven sustainability initiatives. Most recently, students have expanded their work into the rapidly emerging field of quantum computing, earning two additional national recognitions for projects exploring the potential of quantum technologies.

These accomplishments are being strengthened through partnerships and collaborations with leading national research institutions, including the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Through these opportunities, students gain exposure to cutting-edge research and work alongside professionals at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation.

I believe our students should not simply prepare for the future; they should help create it.Through sustainability, quantum computing, robotics, and other emerging technologies, our students are demonstrating that innovation has no age limit and that young people can lead the way in Illinois and across the nation.Kenny Bae, Director of Innovation & Sustainability at The Avery Coonley School

Illinois is positioning itself as a national leader in quantum technology, with the emerging quantum economy projected to generate $60 billion in economic impact for the Chicagoland area. Avery Coonley students are being given an opportunity to engage with this emerging field at an early stage, developing the knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills needed to help shape its future.

The recognition from Governor Pritzker, Senator Durbin, and Congressman Casten is a testament not only to the accomplishments of Avery Coonley students, but also to the power of providing young people with authentic opportunities to tackle real-world challenges.