For Ian Bower, a senior at Newton Community High School, the path to Illinois State Scholar distinction has been a mix of natural aptitude, creative exploration, and an enduring curiosity about the world. While Ian might downplay his academic achievements, describing his success as simply “hearing it once and getting it,” his story reveals a deeper drive to create and connect.

At the heart of Ian’s identity is a passion for art and design. “I’ve always been drawn to how things look, how they’re put together,” he says. Whether he’s sketching concepts or critiquing the use of Comic Sans on a bank sign, Ian’s eye for aesthetics and composition is sharp. “I notice when people go out of their way to choose unique fonts or designs,” he adds. “It’s those details that make things stand out.”

Ian’s creative pursuits extend into storytelling, where his imagination truly shines. He dreams of developing an animated series called The Radiance Protectors, a superhero tale featuring high schoolers navigating life and heroism in equal measure. “It starts with them just trying to help people, but as the story unfolds, they uncover a sinister force pulling the strings behind the scenes,” he explains. “It’s my way of combining art, storytelling, and my love for creating something meaningful.”

Despite his artistic inclinations, Ian excels in mathematics, a duality that he embraces with humor. “I’m in calculus, which is about as hard as it gets here,” he says. “But for me, it’s not so bad. I hear it once, and it sticks.” This natural ability has allowed Ian to focus his energy on what he loves most: art and design.

Ian’s aspirations include attending the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where he plans to major in graphic design. “I see graphic design as a way to pay the bills while I work on my bigger projects, like my animated series,” he says. Though he’s considering other schools, his goal remains the same: to develop his artistic skills and carve out a niche in the creative world.

His recent trip to Honduras on a mission trip reinforced his desire to help others. “I learned a lot about myself there,” he reflects. “I realized that I want to make a difference, even if it’s through something as simple as creating art that makes people feel seen and understood.”

Ian’s teachers describe him as quietly brilliant, a student who listens more than he speaks but contributes meaningfully when he does. His calculus teacher, Mr. Bower appreciates Ian’s understated humor and his ability to grasp complex concepts with ease. “He’s got this unique combination of talent and humility,” Bower says.

While Ian might feel most comfortable behind a sketchpad, he’s also developing confidence in public speaking, thanks to his speech class. “I like making people laugh,” he admits. “It’s nerve-wracking to get up in front of a group, but I’m learning to manage it.”

Looking to the future, Ian hopes to explore the world beyond Jasper County. Whether it’s Europe, Canada, or somewhere else entirely, he’s eager to experience life in new places. “I’ve only been out of the country once, but it opened my eyes to how much there is to see and do,” he says.

For Ian Bower, the journey ahead is as much about self-discovery as it is about creation. With his blend of artistic talent, mathematical precision, and a deep desire to make an impact, he’s poised to leave his mark on whatever path he chooses.