One of the best parts of Silver Creek Area CEO happens outside of our normal 90-minutes together each morning. CEO is about building relationships, getting to know our students beyond their business ideas, and showing up to celebrate the things that matter to them.

Last night, five of our Freeburg students celebrated Senior Night, and it was so much fun to see them honored. Congratulations to Gentry, Annabelle, Nick, Bella, and Brina! Patrick was there too, cheering them on.

Another sweet moment of the night was the surprise of getting to see Eli, from last year’s CEO class, before he headed off to trade school in Arkansas this morning. It was so good to see him and hear about what’s ahead. These relationships don’t end when the CEO year does, and that means a lot.

Then this morning, Kaiden from Lebanon and Chloe from Mascoutah were both running in the same cross-country meet. I loved getting the chance to be there and cheer them on.

I’m proud of what our students accomplish in CEO, but I’m just as proud of the things they are doing outside of CEO. I want to know what they’re passionate about, what they’re working toward, what they’re celebrating, and sometimes even what they’re nervous about.

Because these kids are becoming so much more than entrepreneurs during their CEO year. They’re becoming young adults with big dreams, busy schedules, talents, challenges, and plans for what comes next. Getting to be a small part of that is a privilege I don’t take for granted.

And honestly, I wouldn’t want to miss it.