More than Half of Southland College Prep Senior Class Invited to University of Illinois Salute to Academic Achievement
More than Half of Southland College Prep Senior Class Invited to University of Illinois Salute to Academic Achievement
More than 70 southland College Prep Charter High School seniors—more than half of the senior class—were invited to “Salute to Academic Achievement,” an annual University of Illinois system-wide event which recognizes high-achieving African American, Latino, and Native American high school students, and those from underrepresented Illinois counties.
It was the 40th year of the University of Illinois Salute to Academic Achievement and the eighth year that seniors from Southland, which was founded in 2010, were invited. About 800 people attended the event, including over 400 students, as well as their family members, high school counselors and university leaders.
Colleges across the University of Illinois system were in attendance to promote their programs to the prospective students.
Southland, located in Richton Park, had a record number of 72 students eligible for an invitation this year, according to Robert Lane, Southland’s director of college admissions.
"We were, by far, the strongest representative school in the state in attendance," Lane said.
University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen noticed the large group from Southland and asked to take a photo along with State Representative William Davis.
Every student received a certificate of achievement from the state, application fee waivers to all three University of Illinois campuses and an opportunity to meet leadership representing every college for each university.
Jesse White Tumblers Thrill Illinois School Students at All-School Rally
The Jesse White Tumblers visited Illinois School in Park Forest for an all-school rally to promote the school's positive behavior program.
The rally with the Jesse White Tumblers displaying their acrobatic ability was the kickoff of a year of events celebrating the Illinois Wolves PACK principles of pride, acting responsibly, character and kindness, according to principal Dr. Shernita Mays.
The school, which has students from kindergarten through eighth grade, rewards students throughout the year for demonstrating positive behavior. Students can earn "wolf bucks" to shop at the school store and also can earn rewards for schoolwide and personal success.
One of the school's students, eighth grader Trenton Jordan, is a member of the Jesse White Tumblers and had a chance to show off his skills to his classmates. Mays hopes that the demonstration will be an inspiration for students to understand that with hard work and discipline, they can achieve their goals.
"The Jesse White Tumblers promote school and excellence. You have to have good grades to be a part of their program," Mays said. "It takes discipline, self control and being a part of a team."
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