Lisa Lopez is preparing to attend G Skin & 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.
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 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.
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 give
back to his community.
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.
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.
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.
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 cyber
threats.
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.
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.
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 healthcare
career.
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 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 FFA
Degree 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.
