Kylie Nettleingham
Kylie Nettleingham began her college career at Illinois Valley Community College and will continue at Illinois State University, where she plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She is committed to academic excellence
and hopes to become a high school music director in Illinois before pursuing a master’s degree and eventually teaching at the collegiate level. Kylie is involved in IVCC Art Club and ceramics, volunteers with her church’s bell
choir, and works as a hostess in Streator. She looks forward to inspiring future students through her passion for music and education.
Klay Schaffer
Klay Schaffner is pursuing an Associate of Science at Illinois Valley Community College, where he maintains a 3.771 GPA, researches in microbiology, and tutors math and science. He plans to graduate in spring 2027, transfer
to Illinois State University, and study Cellular and Molecular Biology and Animal Science toward a career in agricultural and genetic research. A five-year FFA member and former chapter treasurer, Klay earned his State FFADegree
and was recommended for the American FFA Degree, awarded to fewer than one percent of members. He placed fourth nationally in Agricultural Communications at the National FFA Convention, has volunteered with Streator schools
and police for nine years, and helps lead two Ottawa community organizations. He hopes to apply his passion for science, research, and agriculture to agricultural genetics.
Maya Taylor
Maya Taylor is a driven computer science student whose curiosity and determination have fueled her academic success. A summa cum laude high school graduate, Maya completed her first year of college while pursuing a degree in
Computer Science with a minor in Electrical Engineering. She is passionate about solving complex problems and hopes to develop innovative technologies that improve accessibility and create meaningful, real-world impact. Maya
is involved in SIGMobile app development and Women in Engineering, where she encourages more young women to pursue STEM. She also volunteers at music education events, works on campus, and looks forward to using technology
to create meaningful solutions.
Zoe Crawford
Zoe Crawford is a dental hygiene student at Illinois Valley Community College and a member of the Class of 2026. After earning an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting and becoming a Certified Dental Assistant with
expanded functions, she continues to pursue preventive oral healthcare with a strong record of Academic Honors and President’s Honors recognition. Zoe serves through local schools, health fairs, outreach initiatives, and a
Remote Area Medical dental clinic for underserved patients. She looks forward to combining clinical skill and compassionate care to improve her future patients’ oral health and confidence.
Leah Krohe
Leah Krohe is studying at Illinois Valley Community College while preparing for admission to the Sauk Valley Radiology Program. She completed a rigorous first-year schedule in math and science, earned a place on the IVCC Presidential
Honors List, and is working toward a career as a radiology technician. Leah also competed on the IVCC women’s basketball team, building leadership and time-management skills while balancing athletics and academics. She volunteers
at a local animal shelter and looks forward to serving others through a rewarding health care career.
Michael Tempest
Michael Tempest recently completed his first year at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he is pursuing cybersecurity and exploring data and information management. Driven by perseverance and a commitment to continuous
learning, he hopes to use his skills to help protect organizations and communities from cyberthreats. An Eagle Scout, Michael has participated in food drives, community cleanups, landscaping projects, and other service efforts.
He credits the Lynne F. Solon Foundation Scholarship with helping him focus on his education and build meaningful relationships with professors as he grows academically and professionally.
Henry Brent
Henry Brent is an incoming University of Mississippi student planning to major in Accounting. At Saint Anthony High School, he balanced academics with baseball, basketball, Pep Club, History Club, and Irons Sharpens Lions while
developing discipline, resilience, and responsibility. Henry has served through junior high basketball camps, Catholic Charities, Silk Purse, Special Olympics, Polar Plunge, and fundraising races supporting individuals with
Down syndrome. He looks forward to building a successful career while continuing to giveback to his community.
Grace King
Grace King is an aspiring agriculture professional with a strong academic record, including four years on the Honor Roll, dual-credit coursework, and Dean’s List honors. She plans to build a future in agriculture by combining
hands-on experience, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Grace is a four-year varsity volleyball player and is involved in National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, German Club, Nokomis Strong, and her county’s
CEO program, where she launched Moving with Miss Grace. She has volunteered at food pantries, coached youth volleyball, officiated games, served as FFA chapter reporter, and earned recognition in agricultural science research.
Terry Styles
Terry Styles is an incoming McKendree University student planning to study Sports Science and Sports Management while preparing for a football coaching career. Inspired by mentors and his student-athlete experience, he hopes
to coach at Roxana Senior High School before pursuing collegiate opportunities. Terry’s football career has taught him perseverance, teamwork, accountability, and leadership, with a state semifinal run reinforcing the value
of resilience. He looks forward to mentoring student-athletes and building strong, positive teams through football.
Lona Kress
Lona Kress is pursuing a healthcare career with the goal of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant and continuing her education in nursing. Through perseverance and determination, she has overcome challenges while staying focused
on a future centered on helping others. Inspired by the compassionate care her grandmother received during serious health challenges, Lona hopes to provide comfort, support, and kindness to patients. She looks forward to making
a meaningful difference as she begins her nursing journey.
Lisa Lopez
Lisa Lopez is preparing to attend G Skin & amp; Beauty Institute and pursue a career in the beauty industry. Motivated by education and hands-on training, she is eager to develop the skills needed for a successful and rewarding
profession. At Streator Township High School, Lisa was known as a hardworking, self-motivated, and dependable student. She balanced academics with four years on the bowling team and looks forward to gaining experience that
will help her build a successful beauty career.
Chase Lane
Chase Lane is an incoming Augustana College student who will study Environmental Studies and Biology while competing in track and cross country. A High Honor Roll student with advanced science, mathematics, and dual-credit
coursework, he hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology.Chase served as Key Club treasurer, earned his Illinois FFA State Degree, and gained statewide recognition for wildlife management through raising quail and
pheasants for conservation. A two-time distance team captain, he looks forward to combining education and outdoor stewardship to support wildlife conservation.
