RLC Foundation Children's Center celebrates its Class of 2026
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RLC Foundation Children's Center celebrates its Class of 2026

June 1, 2026

INA, Ill. (June 1, 2026) — The Rend Lake College Foundation Children's Center (RLCFCC) graduated 8 students from the Pre-K classes on May 15 in the RLC Theater.

A group graduation portrait featuring eight young Pre-K graduates and two teachers posed against a black step-and-repeat backdrop covered in white "Rend Lake College" logos.  The students are arranged in two rows wearing shiny red graduation gowns and matching red mortarboard caps.

Front Row (L-R): Saige Martie, Benjamin Adams, Janie Suver, Jack Nolen

Middle Row (L-R): Stevie Metje, Westin Mezo, Reese Halsey, Carter Martin

Back Row (L-R): Pre-K Assistant Teacher Caitlin Wagner, Pre-K Lead Teacher Rene Crouse

RLCFCC Director Christy Jean welcomed the family of the graduates to the ceremony, followed by Pre-K Lead Teacher Rene Crouse who gave a message from the teachers. RLCFCC 2012 Pre-K Graduate, Sophia Owens, shared stories of her time at the Children's Center, and shared how excited she was to be graduating high school 14 years later.

A young woman with long blonde hair, Sophia Owens, speaks at a microphone behind a dark podium bearing the circular Rend Lake College seal.  Behind her, a large projection screen displays a slide titled "Sophia Owens / RLCFCC Pre-K Graduate: Class of 2012." The slide features a side-by-side comparison labeled "Then" (a childhood photo of her smiling as a young girl) and "Now" (a recent portrait of her as a high school senior).  At the base of the podium, colorful, handprint-shaped picture frames holding photos of young graduates are lined up. In the background, seated on either side of the stage, a teacher in a black academic gown and several young Pre-K graduates in shiny red caps and gowns watch her speak.

Owens sharing her journey from Pre-K to her last day of high school.

2025 Pre-K Graduates

*Click photo to enhance

Congratulations to the Pre-K Class of 2026!

For more information about the RLCF Children's Center, visit rlc.edu/childrens-center or contact Christy Jean at jeanc@rlc.edu.

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