Banterra Student of the Month: Kadence Kujawa
INA, Ill. (December 19, 2025) — Join Rend Lake College in celebrating one of their students each month, sponsored by Banterra Bank. These students are selected based on their GPA, as well as their campus and community involvement. The December Student of the Month is Kadence Kujawa (Waltonville, Ill.).
Kujawa is a freshman from Waltonville High School. She plans to apply for the Radiologic Technology program for the Fall 2026 semester and graduate from the program in 2028.
"Kadence was incredibly determined and diligent," said Emily Jones, RLC Biological Sciences and Anatomy & Physiology Instructor. "Even though she could have passed without much effort, she chose to put in the time and excel throughout the entire semester."
Along with being a full-time student, Kujawa has worked as a student worker in RLC's Financial Aid office since the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.
"Rend Lake has provided me with the resources and opportunities to help prepare me for my future career and goals," said Kujawa. "Being a student worker has provided me with the ability to balance a job as well as being a full-time student. I believe this has helped construct many skills that will benefit me for my future goals."
"Kadence definitely deserves this recognition," said Cindy Caldwell, RLC Mathematics Professor. "She worked and studied diligently in both of my math classes. If she struggled with a concept, Kadence asked for assistance. In class, she was so attentive and respectful. Definitely, the ideal student to represent RLC student of the month. I am so proud of Kadence with her accomplishments."
RLC is delighted to see Kujawa 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. Groundbreaking took place in fall 2024 and renovations are nearing the final stage.
About the Banterra Sports Complex
The planned Banterra Sports Complex at Rend Lake College will include 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.
