Banterra Student of the Month: ZaeJah Fallis-Buchanan
INA, Ill. (April 22, 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 April Student of the Month is ZaeJah Fallis-Buchanan (Waltonville).
Fallis-Buchanan is a pre-nursing freshman, who plans to continue her RLC education in the nursing program.
"ZaeJah is a talented and conscientious student. Her ability to balance motherhood, academics, and work demonstrates a level of maturity, perseverance, and focus far beyond her years," said Carrie Ragan, Professor Biology and Anatomy & Physiology. "Her commitment to healthcare is not theoretical—it is lived. She became a CNA before her junior year of high school and has worked for four years at the same residential and memory care facility. She’ll be the kind of nurse that you’d feel confident about caring for a loved one."
Along with being a full-time student, Fallis-Buchanan works at the Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor for residential living and memory care, and is a full-time mother.
"Being named Student of the Month reflects my consistent effort, academic performance, and commitment to everything I undertake," exclaimed Fallis-Buchanan. "I am so thankful for this recognition!"
RLC is delighted to see Fallis-Buchanan recognized for her upstanding character – not only by faculty and staff, but also by members of the community, such as CEO of Banterra Bank Jeff May.
“Banterra was happy to partner with Rend Lake College for the naming rights of the 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.”
Banterra Bank's naming rights of the Banterra Sports Complex is the largest corporate naming rights agreement to date. Renovations are complete and a ribbon cutting was held 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.
