RLC celebrates student success at the 2026 Upward Bound Banquet

INA, Ill. (May 26, 2026) — Rend Lake College’s Upward Bound program recently celebrated the achievements of its students during the 2026 Upward Bound Banquet.

During the event, students were honored for their participation in the Upward Bound program throughout the 2025–26 academic year and the 2025 Summer Program. Awards and certificates recognized accomplishments including straight A’s, perfect attendance, earning Rend Lake College credit and other academic successes. Certificates were presented by Dara Whaley, Director of TRiO Programs, along with Upward Bound Advisors Beth Hoffman and Emily Minor. High school seniors were also presented with Upward Bound cords to wear during their graduation ceremonies.

^{These students earned a certificate of achievement for receiving straight A's during the Upward Bound summer program.}

^{Pictured (L-R): Rylee Trame (Benton), Isabellah Minton (Zeigler-Royalton)}

^{These students received the Delta Theta Tau Vermadel M. Wood Scholarship/William Wood Estate from the RLC Foundation}

^{Pictured (L-R): RLC Foundation Assistant Director Jessica Jackanicz, Lydia Robison (Mt. Vernon), Rylee Tramee (Benton), Shauna Wilkerson (Benton), Kira Crane (Hamilton County)}

^{These students earned a certificate of achievement for receiving perfect attendance during the Upward Bound summer program.}

^{Pictured (L-R): Hailey Tomshack (Benton), Emerson Vincelette (Zeigler-Royalton), Wyatt Shively (Benton)}

The federally funded Upward Bound program helps high school students prepare for college by offering academic assistance, personal and career counseling, and cultural and social enrichment opportunities. All program services are provided free of charge to participating students.

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These Benton Upward Bound students received certificates of achievement for their completion of the Upward Bound program.

Pictured (L-R): Lydia Sartor, Shauna Wilkerson, Rylee Trame, Hailey Tomshack, Kaige Elder, Mandy Stinson, Lillian Jones, Annah Kopacz, Aiden Jay

These Hamilton County Upward Bound students received certificates of achievement for their completion of the Upward Bound program.

Pictured (L-R): Serenity Brooks, Levi Doogan , Kira Crane, Carson Taylor, Oshean Prater, Phoenix Lavoie, True Claytor

These Mt. Vernon Upward Bound students received certificates of achievement for their completion of the Upward Bound program.

Front Row (L-R): Allayla Smith, Lylas Macdonald, Bria Bradford, Marleigh Oliver, Lilianne Davis

Back row (L-R): Derika Gradford, Lydia Robison, Nakailynn Nesbit, Kourtney Williams, James Cauthon, Daniya Musgrave

These Zeigler-Royalton Upward Bound students received certificates of achievement for their completion of the Upward Bound program.

Front row (L-R): Arthur Wroblewski, Kyla West-Higgins, Payton Clark, Emerson Vincelette, Chloe Thorne, Madison Teel, Madyson Stout, Isabellah Minton

Back row (L-R): Dora Wadley, Sophia Parini,  Braxtyn Maller, Evan Howell

More information about the Upward Bound program is available at rlc.edu/upward-bound or by contacting Dara Whaley at whaleyd@rlc.edu.