WHITTINGTON, Ill. (Sept. 26, 2014) - The Upward Bound program at Rend Lake College celebrated its “out of this world†students last night at the annual Upward Bound Banquet, held at the Rend Lake Resort in Whittington.
During the space-themed event, students were recognized for their involvement in the 2013-2014 academic year program as well as the summer program. The academic year program focuses on achievement in the classroom, team building, and goal setting activities. The summer program is more intensive with five weeks of classes on the Ina campus. Some students also take part in trips throughout the year and others enroll in RLC college credit courses.
Leah Stallman, Director of the TRIO Programs, including Upward Bound, said the students this year were extremely dedicated to their education, and also to enjoying their time together.
“This truly was one of the best summer programs yet. From day one, our students showed up with enthusiasm and excitement, ready for weeks of fun and learning,†said Stallman.
Upward Bound 2013-2014
Pictured are the participants in the RLC Upward Bound programs. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
The evening’s student speaker Caleb Abbott of Logan, a senior at Benton Consolidated High School, focused his award-winning speech on poverty and education. He attributed his success to mentor programs, like Upward Bound.
“I’m lucky enough to be involved in [the Upward Bound] program. The counselors sit down with us and help us fill out the forms for college and financial aid, and even checking in with us throughout the year,†said Abbott. “It only takes one mentor to help one student. I’ve met so many people who have inspired me, and I know I will go to college.â€
Abbott addresses the audience
High school senior Caleb Abbott (Logan) paused during his speech at the Upward Bound Banquet Thursday night, held in the Rend Lake Resort Great Room. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
During the awards aspect of the banquet, students received certificates for participation in the Upward Bound program and the summer program, for earning straight As, for perfect attendance, and for receiving RLC college credit.
“We’re so proud of our students and the hard work they put in every year,†said Stallman. “When their friends are sleeping in or hanging out during the summer or after school, they’re still in the classroom. This year, we may also have the highest number of students achieving both straight As and perfect attendance ever.â€
The RLC Upward Bound program is a federally funded college preparatory program designed to provide academic support, personal and career counseling, and cultural and social enrichment to high school participants who have the academic ability to be successful in college. Services are provided at no cost to the student. To learn more about the Upward Bound program, contact Stallman at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1366 or stallmanl@rlc.edu.
Summer program participants
Pictured are participants in the RLC Upward Bound summer program. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
Straight As and perfect attendance
Pictured are Upward Bound students who receives straight As and had perfect attendance last year, BACK, FROM LEFT, Jeffrey Hayes (Benton), Nickolas Greenwood (Benton), Sicely Strumpher (McLeansboro), Caleb Abbott (Logan), and Emily Piercy (Benton); FRONT, Molly McGuire (Benton), Bethany Garrett (Benton), Makayla Jackson (McLeansboro), Madeline Farmer (Benton), and Andrew Morris (Royalton). Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
Straight A students
David Garrett (Benton), LEFT, and Shiane Davis (Royleton) both earned straight As in the Upward Bound program 2013-14. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
Perfect Attendance
Students, FROM LEFT, Zane Mare (Royalton), Jaclyn Savage (McLeansboro), Haley Edwards (Zeigler), Samantha Riddle (Mt. Vernon), A'Ralen Hunter (Mt. Vernon), and Dakota Emery (Zeigler), all earned a certificate for perfect attendance in the Upward Bound 2013-14 year. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
RLC class credit
Shiane Davis (Royalton), LEFT, and October Marchal (Zeigler) both earned RLC credits through their high school's Upward Bound involvement. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
