The School District U-46 Board of Education recognized four outstanding students Monday night for their achievements in statewide athletic and academic competitions.

Two students were honored for earning first-place finishes in swimming events at the Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games, held in June at Illinois State University. Devkee Patel, a student in the Central School Programs, earned first place in the 25-meter backstroke and the 25-meter freestyle. Rhea Raj, a student at South Elgin High School, placed first in the 25-meter backstroke.

“It’s a testament to how there are opportunities out there for all to be successful,” said South Elgin High School Assistant Principal Lauren Stewart, who was in attendance at the board meeting to celebrate Rhea’s achievement.

Devkee and Rhea compete for the Blue Stars, U-46’s Special Olympics team.

The Board of Education also recognized two students for their performances at the Illinois Future Problem Solving Bowl, held in Bloomington-Normal in April. Andrew Punnoose of Elgin High School placed first in the individual competition at the senior level, and Teresa Punnoose of Glenbrook Elementary School placed first at the junior level.

The Illinois Future Problem Solving Bowl is associated with Future Problem Solving Program International, an organization that seeks to develop the ability of young people to design and achieve positive futures through problem solving using critical and creative thinking.

Following their state championship performances, Andrew and Teresa represented U-46 at the Future Problem Solving International Conference, held in Bloomington, Ind., where they competed in the prestigious Global Issues Problem Solving competition.

Also representing U-46 at the international competition were Sonia Punnoose and Aryana Patel of Glenbrook Elementary School; Sophia Punnoose and Akshara Sivasankaran of Elgin High School; and Alisha Siddiqi and Mantas Bazys of Bartlett High School.