Having demonstrated what college and career ready students must achieve to be ready for the next chapter, 31 members of the Coal City High School class of 2025 were named Acclaimed Coalers.
Students who meet certain requirements by the completion of their senior year are celebrated as an Acclaimed Coaler and on May 9, a fourth class of honorees were recognized. Among them state scholars, musicians, athletes, performers and the class president. They’re graduates heading off to college to pursue degrees in a wide range of career paths—health care, education, engineering, performing arts, business, finance, law enforcement and culinary arts.
The Acclaimed Coaler program was developed in response to the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness [PWR] Act that was enacted to support Illinois high school students find success in the path they choose after graduation.
The PWR Act is based on four main strategies, one being the Postsecondary and Career Expectations [PACE] framework and that is focused on three key areas—career exploration and development, college preparation and selection and financial literacy.
The state developed framework was something the district could adopt, but it took the concept a step further and developed its own framework with input from district educators, counselors and administrators. The goal they set was for students to have exposure to college and career options, encourage participation in community service, focus on career path courses, and increase student involvement in school and community.
The program aims to recognize students for more than just academic achievement and provide a way to reward and incentivize students to become college and career ready by the time they graduate from Coal City High School.
Acclaimed Coalers are students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, have a 95 percent attendance rate in their junior and senior years, and achieved at least one academic indicator in the areas of English/language arts and math, and three career indicators—extra curricular activities, community service, and career development to name a few.
Achieving distinction were Anthony Aultz, Corinna Barkley, Derek Berglund, August Burns, Aylianna Castle, Korbyn Crist, Mackenzie Croxton, Lilly Feisley, Alysin Fite, Peyton Gibson, Kaycee Graf, Logan Hausman, Addison Hodgen, Will Johnke, Kylee Kennell, Owen Kent, Avery McConnell, Ava Meyer, Alaina Morales, Mason Natyshok, Madalyn Petersen, Chloe Pluger, Naomi Rodriguez, Will Thompson, Calleigh VandeWerken, Alec Waliczek, Madison Wilson and Dylan Young.
Three members of the class of 2025—Melody Kinder, Deborah Lynch and Trevor Perino—earned distinction as Acclaimed Coaler Scholars. The honor of scholar goes to those who have earned a 3.75 gpa or higher through seven semesters of study, post a composite score of 1400 on the SAT college entrance exam, achieve 95 percent attendance during their junior and senior years and who have met the academic and career ready indicators.
In the four years of the program, Coal City High School has bestowed scholar honors to 11 graduates and 94 graduates have been named Acclaimed Coalers.
This year’s group of Acclaimed Coalers and Acclaimed Coaler Scholars shared that their fondest high school memories include participating in various activities, achieving success in the classroom, on the field and stage, enjoying school dances and homecoming week, cheering on friends, and building lasting relationships with peers and teachers.
High school social studies instructor Colin Keppner was selected to introduce each of the students, many of whom he has had in class or had the opportunity to coach over the past four years. His knowledge of the students gave him a unique and personal perspective on the graduates.
In his introduction of Calleigh VandeWerken, he highlighted her compassion and kindness to a fellow student, qualities that truly define her character and will serve her well as she pursues a career in the medical field.
Keppner described graduate Addison Hodgen as an individual who is calm and collected underpressure, qualities that will serve her well in her chosen career path of elementary education.
He highlighted the leadership qualities of the honorees, specifically recognizing the guidance of student council and class president Will Johnke, along with fellow graduate Alec Waliczek.
Keppner went on to share many of the outstanding accomplishments the Coaler graduates have had over the past four years both within the walls of Coal City High School and in the community. He took note of Acclaimed Coaler Scholar Melody Kinder, who he shared is the quiet one in his classes. “Then she goes and does two activities that terrify people—speech team and theater, both requiring big performances in front of lots of people and boy does she perform. Her performance as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd was an incredible display of talent for which she has much to be proud of,” Keppner said.
Each of the honored students acknowledged those who have been there to cheer them on and help them through their academic years at Coal City High School.
Kylee Kennell attributes her success to her parents for always believing in her and pushing her to be her best. And, she offered her thanks to all teachers and coaches for providing an environment for success.
Each of the Acclaimed Coalers recognized during the ceremony were presented with golden stole to be worn atop their gown on graduation day. Also participating in the ceremony were principal Art Stafford, assistant principal Corey Mikula and guidance counselors Erin Dransfeldt and Keith Kiper.
To the students who will walk through the doors as freshmen next fall, Avery McConnell offered this advice: “Always keep pushing forward, because what if something could turn out better than you can even imagine?”