I was recently surprised and honored to receive Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship’s CEO Rookie of the Year award.

While I am incredibly grateful for this recognition, the reality is that this award represents the efforts of so many people who helped make the inaugural year of Silver Creek Area CEO a success.

Thank you to our investors for believing in a brand-new program. Thank you to our board members for their leadership and commitment. Thank you to the administrators and counselors at Freeburg, Lebanon, Mascoutah, and O’Fallon Township High Schools for supporting this opportunity for students. Thank you to the mentors, guest speakers, business owners, and community partners who generously shared their time, knowledge, and experiences throughout the year.

Most importantly, thank you to our inaugural class. Twenty students took a chance on a program that had never existed before and helped shape it into something special. Their willingness to learn, grow, take risks, and embrace new opportunities is what made this first year such a success.

Watching our students gain confidence, discover their potential, and begin to see what is possible for their futures has been the greatest reward of all.

Thank you for believing in the vision of Silver Creek Area CEO. This recognition belongs to all of you.