Each year, the IPA (Illinois Principals Association) recognizes two remarkable students from each school for their outstanding work and leadership. Students are recognized annually at the CIV Region's Student Recognition Breakfast. Each area principal has a set of criteria used to appoint their respective students, including leadership, scholarship, community involvement, and character. Being recognized by the IPA indicates that the student exemplifies these qualities and reflects what school means to the students and local community.
IPA award winner Erica Riccioni has been actively involved in the school community throughout her entire career at FCHS. Over the past four years, Erica has spent hundreds of hours being involved in extracurricular activities and holding leadership positions within different clubs. The extracurriculars that Erica has been a part of during her high school career include Key Club, Harvest Leadership Team, National Honor Society, Student Senate, Class Secretary, Speech Team, Drama Club, International Thespian Society, Yearbook, ACES Team, Math Team, Art Club, Game Club, Cheerleading, and Band. Within these clubs and organizations, Erica has served as President of Key Club, National Honor Society Secretary, Student Senate Secretary, Class Secretary, and Drama Club Secretary. Outside of school Erica also volunteers with the Farmington Christmas Hope Chest, Erica’s Lighthouse, the Fulton County Humane Society, and the Farmington Historical Museum. Erica will represent her class as the salutatorian and will graduate top ten. She is an Illinois State Scholar and a Sterling Merit Award Winner. Recently, Erica was accepted into the Assured Admissions Program at the University of Iowa where looks to receive her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree within six years. After obtaining her degree, she plans to begin specialization training in oncology pharmacy.
IPA award winner Kristiaan Scalf has also been actively involved throughout his career at FCHS. Kristian is an Illinois State Scholar and the March Student of the month, Kristiaan has excelled in academic contests placing third at the Murray State University Math Day Competition, participated in mathematics competition, won awards in Geometry, English, and Chemistry, and was voted the DCLC outstanding senior student for Key Club. Kristiaan has participated in Math Team, Key Club, National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, Game Club, and Inclusive Leadership training at FCHS. Even with his busy academic schedule, Kristiaan finds time to give back volunteering at the Midwest Food Bank, M&K Parties, Kiwanis Club of Canton, Farmington Moose Lodge, and Erica’s Lighthouse. Kristiaan plans to attend Bradley in the future and major in English with the hope of teaching high school English.
FCHS congratulates both students on their outstanding work and wishes them well in the future!