Michael Lopez, a student at Spry Community Links High School, and Rocio Santana, a student at Benito Juarez Community Academy, were among 170 Illinois students who have been named the Comcast Foundation’s 2012 Leaders and Achievers. As such, each received a one-time $1,000 scholarship as a reward. The students were guests of honor Thursday, May 31 during a ceremony held at the Chicago History Museum.

The Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarships are for high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership skills, academic achievement and a commitment to community service. The scholarship, sponsored by the Comcast Foundation, awards deserving students $1,000 for use towards college expenses. To date, Comcast has awarded more than $17 million to more than 17,000 Leaders and Achievers Scholarship winners.