There are moments in this program that make you stop and just feel incredibly proud… and this is one of them.

Each year, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission recognizes about 10% of high school seniors as Illinois State Scholars—students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement through their GPA, class rank, and test scores. It’s not something you apply for… it’s something you earn over time through consistency, discipline, and hard work.

This year, 5 of our 20 Silver Creek Area CEO students received this distinction.

From O’Fallon High School
• Brenton Hunter
• Michael Rottschalk

From Freeburg High School
• Alex Fritz
• Macie Dill

From Mascoutah High School
• John Robert Wall

When you think about that—10% of seniors statewide… and 25% of our CEO class—it says a lot.

And here’s what makes it even more meaningful… Silver Creek Area CEO isn’t a class you get into because of your GPA. It’s not about class rank or test scores. It’s about work ethic, showing up, staying consistent, being coachable, and doing hard things even when they’re uncomfortable.

And because of that, you start to see something deeper. Their success doesn’t just live on a transcript. I see it in how they show up early, lean into challenges, support each other, and do the hard work of building something of their own.

Proud of each of you—not just for this recognition, but for the way you’ve earned it every single day.