Upward Bound banquet is music to students’ ears

INA, Ill. – The Upward Bound program at Rend Lake College celebrated by singing its students’ praises at the annual Upward Bound Banquet, held RLC’s James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium.

This year’s Nashville-themed event recognized dozens of local students for their involvement in the 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 credit courses.

During the awards aspect of the banquet, students received certificates for participation in the Upward Bound program and the summer program during the 2016-17 year, for earning straight As, for perfect attendance, for receiving RLC college credit, and many others.

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.

Zeigler-Royalton High School Participants. Front row, from left: Kya Maier, Gabby Dover, Hannah Absher, Ashley Arvai, Lacey Grammer. Back row, from left: Dawson Thomas, Alora Lefler, Bryce Leeper, Imogen Perry, Draven Witt.

Mt. Vernon High School Participants. From left: Casey White, Lexy McKinney, Jay King, Hailey Mays, Madison Waters, Lance White.

Hamilton County High School Participants. Front row, from left: Kennedy Moles, Emilie Green, Kristin Gibson, Jeremy Colclasure, Austin Alverth, Summer Matthews, Kelcie Green. Back row, from left: Shelby Taylor, Chloe Greenwood, Alex Farthing, Tyler Branch, Samantha Alverth, Bailee Waggoner.

Benton Consolidated High School Participants. Front row, from left: Brandie Anderson, Diamond Anderson, Honey Harvill, Mauro Wallace, Damian Roberson, Alexis Jones. Back row, from left: Trevor Richardson, Hailey Bryan, Alexea Crawford, Jaxson Sloan.