RLCF Children's Center Class of '22 headed to kindergarten

INA, Ill. (May 24, 2022) — Eight graduates of the Rend Lake College Foundation Children's Center were celebrated earlier this month for completing their early education at the center and moving on to Kindergarten. Family members joined them for a graduation ceremony May 13 at the RLC Theater.  

This year's graduates are Kane Atchison, Westlyn Conner, Calvin Culbreth, Cole Donovan, Adalynn Hall, Bryce Hunter, Raylynn James and Creed King.

PICTURED ABOVE: In the left photo; Graduates Calvin Culbreth (LEFT) and Kane Atchison are pictured with Preschool Assistant Teacher Alicia McPherson (LEFT) and Preschool Lead Teacher Nichole Martie. In the right photo; Graduates (FROM LEFT) Westlyn Conner, Bryce Hunter, Adalynn Hall, Cole Donovan, Raylynn James and Creed King are pictured with (FROM LEFT) Pre-K Assistant Teacher Maddie Thompson, Pre-K Parent Educator Kadi Petersen and Pre-K Lead Teacher Rene Crouse. Click on the image for a printable version.  

Christy Jean, RLCFCC Director, welcomed guests with some tips for success at Kindergarten. Lead Preschool Teacher Nichole Martie and Lead Pre-K Teacher Rene Crouse reflected on the graduates' time at the center, followed by speeches from past graduates Austin Crouse (RLCFCC Pre-K Class of 2009 / Salem Community High School Class of 2022), Nate Ragland  (RLCFCC Pre-K Class of 2009 / Waltonville High School Class of 2022 / RLC Class of 2022), and Remington Stevens (RLCFCC Pre-K Class of 2009 / Hamilton County Senior High School Class of 2022). 

Lifetime Member Awards were presented to graduates Culbreth, Hall and Hunter for attending the center at every level — infant, toddler and Preschool/Pre-K.

Special recognition awards were given to RLC VP of Finance and Administration Angie Kistner, and Campus Police Chief Gary McGill. They are both retiring this summer and were heavily involved at the center for decades. 

Following the handing out of diplomas, everyone enjoyed Martie's annual slide show that features photos and videos of the graduates through their years at the center. The event concluded with a light reception of sweets and drinks in the Theater Lobby. 

RLCFCC STAFF
Director • Christy Jean
Pre-K Lead Teacher • Rene Crouse
Preschool Lead Teacher • Nichole Martie
Pre-K Assistant Teacher • Maddie Thompson
Preschool Assistant Teacher • Alicia McPherson
Parent Educator • Kadi Petersen

The center is accepting pre-registration forms for the Pre-K and Preschool classrooms. To get a pre-registration form, visit the center or email Jean to request one at jeanc@rlc.edu. 

Looking for financial help with childcare? Learn more about the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools program by visiting rlc.edu/ccampis.    

RLC is currently seeking a part-time Assistant Teacher and a full-time Lead Infant Room Teacher for the center. Learn more about both positions at rlc.edu/jobs.