Banterra Student of the Month: Emalee McPeak
INA, Ill. (January 15, 2026) — Join Rend Lake College in celebrating one of its students each month, sponsored by Banterra Bank. These students are selected based on their GPA, as well as their campus and community involvement. The January Student of the Month is Emalee McPeak (McLeansboro).
McPeak is a sophomore from McLeansboro studying communications. She plans to graduate during the May 2026 Commencement Ceremony and continue her education at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale.
"Emalee is a joy to have in the classroom as she is engaging, thoughtful, and brings a joyous light into the room," said Dr. Jeannie Mitchell, Psychology Professor. "She's multi-talented, and works hard at everything she does. I look forward to hearing of her future success after RLC, as she's going to make a positive impact in whatever she chooses."
"Emalee is an outstanding student," said Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith, Speech Professor. "While in my COMM 1101 Public Speaking class, she began as a good communicator, but grew into a thoughtful, organized, well-researched, curious, and thorough student. Her energy is contagious to the other students in the classroom. She is supportive and encouraging to all her classmates."
Along with being a full-time student, McPeak has been in multiple theater productions, including three RLC plays: FAME, Flummoxed Fairytales, and Anne of Green Gables.
"Outside of school, I enjoy being creative," said McPeak. "Whether it’s sewing, theater, modeling, or writing, I like to get my creative juices flowing."
"Emalee is a bright, cheerful, and talented student. I have enjoyed directing her on the RLC stage during the past two fall plays, as well as helping her to hone her comedic timing as an improvisational actress in the Rend Lake College Thespians club," said Tracey Webb, Theatre Professor. "She is disciplined and dedicated, and I believe Emalee will accomplish many great things in her career."
McPeak is currently a communications intern at Continental Tire, as well as a Student Ambassador for RLC.
"My internship at Continental Tire and being a Student Ambassador give me the opportunity to hone my skills as a communicator," said McPeak.
RLC is delighted to see McPeak recognized for her upstanding character – not only by our faculty and staff, but also by members of our community, such as CEO of Banterra Bank Jeff May.
“Banterra was happy to partner with Rend Lake College for the naming rights of an upcoming renovated sports facility, the Banterra Sports Complex, because we are two organizations that are committed to supporting Southern Illinois and our youth,” said May. “As part of that partnership, we are honored to sponsor a Student of the Month program which recognizes an outstanding RLC student each month for their achievements.”
The Game Plan is an ongoing project to renovate and expand the facilities at Waugh Gymnasium at RLC. Banterra Bank acquired naming rights of the Banterra Sports Complex. It's the largest corporate naming rights agreement to date. Renovations are nearing the final stage and will conclude with a ribbon cutting on February 11.
About the Banterra Sports Complex
The Banterra Sports Complex at Rend Lake College includes the existing James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium as well as a new addition to the space. Waugh Gymnasium is one of the original buildings on the college’s campus and in 1995 was named after Waugh, a long-time coach and educator with nearly 50 combined athletic seasons to his credit when he retired. In addition to the gym, it includes athletic offices and locker rooms.
