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 Bailey Kennelly has been actively involved in the school community throughout her entire career at FCHS. Over the past four years, Bailey has been an active participant in cross country (1 year), volleyball (4 years), winterguard, theater (3 years), and Harvest Team (4 years). Bailey has also been involved in Science Olympiad, Art Club, FCA, CNA Training, Prom Committee, Student Council, Student Leadership team, and Key Club. During her senior year, Bailey was Key Club President, served in the National Honor Society, and as the student board member representative. Outside of school, Bailey has a long list of volunteer accomplishments including: serving in the Trivoli Chili Supper, coaching 7th grade volleyball, helping organize the Santa Breakfast, sponsoring Shirley's Princesses for cancer patients in hospitals, serving as a tutor for NHS, participating in 4-H, co-sponsoring See You at the Pole, working in the nursery at church, supervising at wildlife scary park, and volunteering at Camp Big Sky. Other projects during school include making May Day baskets for staff during teacher appreciation week, sponsoring “rake and run” (raking leaves for charity), holding a dodgeball tournament for St. Jude, and sponsoring the harvest team banquet. Bailey plans to attend Cedarville University in Ohio to major in nursing.
IPA award winner Laura Stevens has also been actively involved throughout her career at FCHS. Laura is an Illinois State Scholar, Sterling Merit Winner, and will graduate in the top 10 of her class. Laura has been extensively involved in FFA serving as Vice President, Sentinel, Historian and a Novice Officer, winning the prestigious state award her senior year. Laura is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Harvest Team (4 years), basketball team (4 years), track and field team (2 years), and FCA. Outside of school, Laura has been involved in See you at the Pole, tutoring for National Honor Society, volunteering at the Trivoli Chili Supper, serving in the Children's Ministry at Grace Presbyterian in Peoria, ringing the bell for salvation army, participating in wildlife scary park, engaging in 4-H Club activities, and making “tie” blankets for the nursing home. Laura was instrumental in leading the “Farmers feeding Farmers'' program for the FFA this past school year, which provides weekend meals to families in need. In doing so, Laura has been responsible for ordering and planning meals for 45 - 50 students on a weekly basis. Additionally, Laura helps organize boxes for outside of scheduled school sessions. Laura also owns and manages her own goat herd and helps manage the family bee farming business. After high school, Laura plans on attending ICC and transferring to Iowa State to major in animal science.
FCHS congratulates both students on their outstanding work and wishes them well in the future!