CHICAGO — Alton High’s Brandon Burklund and Nick Hatfield have earned Chicago Fire all-State Academic honors, it was announced Tuesday.

Burklund, a forward for the Redbirds, was named Second-Team All-State Academic, while Hatfield earned All-Academic special Mention.

The All-State Academic program is a joint venture by the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer and the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association.

“The Chicago Fire are pleased to recognize these young men for not only their athletic achievements, but also for their work in the classroom and in the communit,” Chicago Fire Chief Operating Officer Atul Khosla said.

Chosen from a pool of more than 100 nominees, this year’s First Team includes three valedictorians. Fifty percent of nominees scored 30 or higher on their ACT, with three students scoring a perfect 36 and nine students receiving a 35. Many of the players also gave back to the game of soccer, with 42 percent serving as soccer Back