Stars shine at 2019 banquet

INA, Ill. (April 30, 2019) - Dozens of students enrolled in Rend Lake College's STARS (Student Transfer and Retention Support) program were honored during the 22nd Annual Recognition Ceremony last week in the James "Hummer" Waugh Gymnasium. During the ceremony, the students in attendance were honored with awards and scholarships for a successful year of hard work.

 The Perseverance Award is given to students who demonstrate determination in successfully completing their classes, often while overcoming difficult circumstances. Front row, from left, Diamond Anderson (Benton), Deloris Payne (Bonnie), Katie Rapp (Dahlgren) and Christina Walden (Christopher). Back row, from left, Tyree McCarty (Ina) and Rob Wilkie (Mt. Vernon).

3.00 - 3.49 GPA Award
Front row, from left, Samantha Alverth (Thompsonville), Makayla Bowden (Mt. Vernon) and Ashton McCormick (Thompsonville). Back row, from left, Jalin Brown (Mt. Vernon), Megan Degler (Benton) and Melanie Kelcher (Benton).

3.50-3.99 GPA Award
Front row, from left, Suzanna Wilkie (Mt. Vernon), Elizabeth Crawford (Sesser), Gillian Emrich (Benton) and Taylie Payne (McLeansboro). Back row, from left, Jade Stallons (Mt. Vernon), Baili Diefenbach (Macedonia), Brittany Helton (Benton) and Adrianna Maxwell (Macedonia).

4.0 GPA Award
From left, Debra Compton (Tamaroa), Lacey Grammer (Royalton) and Kailey Groff (Bluford).

2018 - 2019 Graduates
Front row, from leftk Deloris Payne (Bonnie), Ashton McCormick (Thompsonville), Katie Rapp (Dahlgren), Adrianna Maxwell (Macedonia) and Suzanna Wilkie (Mt. Vernon). Back row, from left, Kailey Groff (Bluford), Brittany Helton (Benton), Melanie Kelcher (Benton), Taylie Payne (McLeansboro) and Rob Wilkie (Mt. Vernon).

The George Cybulski Scholarship Award is named in honor of the late George Cybulski, an 81-year-old RLC student who had a dream to go back to school and earn a degree. The award is given annually to a dedicated student. This year, Elizabeth Crawford of Sesser was honored as the George Cybulski Scholarship Award recipient. 

The STAR of the Year Award is voted on by the STARS staff every year and is given to a student who exemplify dedication to the program, hard work in the classroom, and great communication skills. This year, Suzanna Wilkie of Mt. Vernon was honored as STAR of the Year.

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