National First-Generation College Student Celebration Day November 8

National First-Generation College Student Celebration Day is November 8, in honor of the date when the Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed by President Lyndon Johnson, providing federal funding with a goal of strengthening resources and making college more accessible for all students.

Jill Olson, director of the TRIO Student Success Services program at Spoon River College, planned celebrations on the Canton and Macomb campuses to mark the occasion. TRIO is a federally funded program designed to help students overcome social, academic, class, and cultural barriers in higher education. Being a first generation college student is one of the eligibility requirements of the TRIO program.

“We define first generation students as those whose parents have not completed a four-year degree,” said Olson. “They are less likely to be familiar with college processes, like the FAFSA and how to get financial aid in place. It can be overwhelming, and TRIO helps students navigate these systems and processes. Helping at risk students overcome as many of these barriers as possible increases their chances of successfully completing a college degree or a certificate program.”

TRIO participants at Spoon River College are provided with personalized advising for career, transfer, and degree planning. Workshops covering topics ranging from personal financial literacy to time management and study tips are offered, and professional math and science tutors as well as peer tutors are available for both one-on-one and group study opportunities.

TRIO advisors place an emphasis on preparing students to transfer, aiding in selection of the correct transfer classes to take and traveling with students to visit four-year universities. Eligible transfer students who are TRIO members can have their application fees to their four-year schools waived.  Cultural outings, including to museums and art exhibits (at no expense to students), are part of the program, and members regularly participate in community service projects.

“Our off-campus trips enable the TRIO students to connect socially with other students, while exposing them to experiences they may have never taken part in on their own,” said Olson.

TRIO participants are also eligible for an exclusive scholarship program and have access to a private computer lab and study space, free printing, and are able to borrow textbooks, graphing calculators and voice recorders. In 2020, the program introduced a laptop lending program that has been highly utilized by students.

“TRIO works with each student where they are at,” Olson said. “If the student wishes to use all our services, we are happy to cater to that. If they only need transfer assistance, we can provide that for the student. Each student’s academic journey and needs are different, and we work to meet each student’s individual needs while they are at SRC.”

“Our goal is to improve the academic success of our students so they can successfully graduate and transfer to a four-year university.”

Cake and punch will be served to all Spoon River College faculty, staff, and students in both Canton and Macomb during the week of November 8 to recognize those who are or were first-generation students.

To learn more about TRIO, visit www.src.edu, or contact Jill Olson at jill.olson@src.edu or 309-833-6029.

At Risk Student Determined to Succeed – Trinity Brock

Trinity Brock is considered the college student who is at risk of not completing a degree. She is  a first-generation (parents did not complete a Bachelor’s degree) and low-income student, and only 20 years old and living on her own while working full-time and carrying a full load of classes at Spoon River College.

Brock also has a trauma-filled past and struggles to stay mentally healthy. Born in Arkansas, she was brought to Illinois when she was six years old by her grandmother. Her father was never in the picture and her mother lacked the ability to provide a healthy and nurturing home life. Brock was just 4 when she experienced sexual abuse for the first time. When she was 12 and it happened for a fourth time, she spoke out.

“I tried to tell another family member, but they didn’t believe me and it got swept under the rug, so after that I didn’t say anything,” Brock said. In eighth grade she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and spent almost three weeks in a psychiatric ward.

At the end of her freshman year of high school, she was credit deficient, behaving badly, and “didn’t like authority.” High school officials expelled her, and she enrolled at Royals Academy in Carthage, an alternative program designed for students with a variety of needs.

At 16 she traveled to Texas with her mother and her mother’s boyfriend, but when Brock and the boyfriend couldn’t get along, she was the one left behind. Through the efforts of her therapist, her grandmother, and Texas CPS, she made her way back to Illinois, enrolling once again at Royals and finally completing her graduation requirements.

Brock said Royals’ teacher Kim Featherlin had a life-changing impact on her. “I probably would not have finished if it hadn’t been for her. She supported me in every way possible, even outside of class. She cared, and that’s what I needed. Royals is a great school—alternative schools are more trauma aware—and the teachers take pride in it.”

In 2020, Brock enrolled at Spoon River College. She joined the TRIO Student Support Services program, a federally funded program specifically designed to support at risk students. She takes advantage of the one-on-one tutoring and the workshops offered to TRIO students. She also meets regularly with TRIO director Jill Olson and TRIO advisor Abby Beck.

“Having a support system is a big thing for me; I’ve never had one before, and it’s vital,” Brock said. “I can go to Miss Abby and Miss Jill for anything, even just to talk. Math teacher Shelli Stuart has also been a big part of my support system here.”

Despite working full-time, attending school full-time, and working to stay mentally healthy through therapy, Brock is making time to experience college life. She serves as president of the Student Government Association and has joined the Speech and Debate team. During Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerich’s visit to the college in September, Brock was one of three students who volunteered to share their stories during a discussion of college affordability, and she spoke quietly but candidly about her situation.

Brock is working towards her associate degree with an anticipated graduation date of fall 2022. She plans to transfer to WIU, although she’s still debating what her major will be. “At first I wanted to do social work, to help other kids escape what I went through, but I also find myself being drawn to education. I feel it will be one of those two things.”

While it’s normal for a college student to be unsure of a career path, Brock says it bothers her to not have a solid plan. “I don’t like being undecided. It puts me on edge.”

Brock also says she finds it hard to relax and often feels out of place. Besides the depression and anxiety, she was recently diagnosed with ADHD and Bipolar disorder. She doesn’t like the way the medications make her feel, but she also doesn’t do well without them.  She suffers from panic attacks, becomes overstimulated, and sometimes has to leave the classroom. “It becomes too much. I can hear the papers shuffling and the pens clicking.”

Despite it all, Brock is determined to build a better future for herself. She loves her job at Wesley Village and works hard at her college studies, even though she says her schedule is often mentally and physically exhausting.  “Sometimes, I just have to cry it out.”

It takes courage to share such a personal story, but Brock feels it’s important to be transparent about her mental health and the sexual abuse she experienced.  “I want others who are also struggling, no matter what their situation is, to know that they are not alone. I want to give them hope that they can achieve what they want to achieve.”

ROYALS (Regional Office Youth Alternative Learning Services) Safe Schools and Alternative Programs are offered through the Regional Office of Education #26. For more information call 309-575-3226 or visit their webpage at https://www.roe26.net/.

For those who may be struggling with their mental health or are victims of sexual assault or domestic violence, please reach out. WIRC-CAA Hotline – (309) 837-5555; Fulton-Mason Crisis Service – 309-647-8311; Quanada Hotline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255); National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Spoon River College Theatre Announces Company for Silent Sky

​The theatre at Spoon River College has announced the cast and crew for its Nov. 12-14 production of Lauren Gunderson’s 2015 drama Silent Sky.

Lauren Gunderson holds the distinction of being currently the most-produced living American playwright. The true story of early-20th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, Silent Sky explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries in this “luminously beautiful play, an intellectual epic told on an intimate scale” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The San Francisco Chronicle calls Silent Sky “sheer magic…with bursts of smart, infectious humor.”

Director Douglas Okey, a member of the SRC faculty, said that Silent Sky “shows a historical figure in a dramatic light, highlighting the accomplishments of Henrietta Leavitt but really presenting her character in a human story.” Okey added that the play, while a drama, “has lots of light, comedic moments.”

SRC Theatre presents its plays in the Taylor Hall Theatre on the college’s Canton Campus. Silent Sky runs Nov. 12 and 13 at 7:00 p.m. and Nov. 14 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved using the reservations form on the Theatre page at SRC.edu or calling (309) 649-6257.

Members of the company for Silent Sky, comprising both currently enrolled students and community members, include: Lauren Avery, Kaitlynn Tutt, Kirsten Seeley, Sydney Munson, Hannah Zimmerman, Lily Rogers, Haiden Lee, Stacy Smith, Madelynn Wilcox, Ethan Tinsman, Aaron Haacke, Rachel Hickle, Hunter Martin, Aimee Kalb, Destiny Evans, Sienna Rader, and Keeara Virag.

Spoon River College Planning for a More Traditional Fall Semester in 2021

Online registration for the fall 2021 semester at Spoon River College begins March 15 for returning students, face-to-face registration begins April 1 for all students, and College officials are planning for a more traditional campus experience for the 2021-22 academic year.

“Students will be on campus participating in face-to-face courses, completing various clinical, laboratory, and internship experiences, along with engaging in on-campus activities and athletic events,” said President Curt Oldfield.

Federal and State government leaders have made a significant commitment to providing enough vaccine for every eligible person by the end of May.  The result of this commitment will significantly increase access to the coronavirus vaccine for students, faculty, and staff.  The commitment to broad vaccination will allow students and employees to be vaccinated prior to the start of the fall semester.

Oldfield said Spoon River College would continue to monitor the progress of the vaccination roll-out in Illinois in the coming spring and summer months and provide periodic updates about the vaccination progress and the upcoming academic year. “Keeping students and employees safe has been and will continue to be the top priority while also providing a high quality academic experience.”

“I am proud of the high level of resilience along with our students’ and employees’ ability to adapt during the pandemic. We were able to mitigate the spread of the virus and maintain a low positivity rate,” said Oldfield. “We are confident that our efforts to keep everyone safe will continue to be successful as we move towards the fall 2021 semester.”

Fall classes begin August 23, and registration is also open for summer classes that begin June 7. Current students may register online or with an advisor, while new students are encouraged to meet with an advisor.

For more information about the registration process or to make an appointment with an advisor, call (309) 647-6400 in Canton, (309) 543-4413 in Havana, (309) 837-6069 in Macomb, and (217) 322-6060 in Rushville. Information is also available at www.src.edu.

Dual Credit Visits Scheduled for Cuba and VIT High Schools

Eve Zimmerman, dual credit coordinator at Spoon River College, has planned visits to Cuba and VIT high schools to share information about the College’s dual credit program, which allows eligible high school students to take college level courses.

Zimmerman will visit virtually with Cuba students using Googlemeets on Wednesday, March 24 at 1:30 p.m. Students who are interested should contact school counselor Logan Link for the information needed to join the meeting.

The visit with VIT will be in-person on Tuesday, March 23 from 12:45-2:15 p.m. at the high school.

Dual credit classes include transfer education courses such as English and Communications as well as career technical courses like welding and nursing assistant. They may be taught at the high school by high school teachers who have a Master degree, or at the College by college faculty.

Depending on the class and the high school, students may also be able to earn both high school and college credit for a particular class. The dual credit program offers cost savings on tuition, and scholarships are available through the SRC Foundation.

For more information email eve.zimmerman@src.edu or call 309-649-6221.

Seeking Volunteer Tutors for SRC Adult Literacy Programs

Cyndi Johnston, coordinator of adult literacy programs at Spoon River College, relies on volunteer tutors to help students in the various programs offered by the College, and normally has many community members stepping up to the plate.

But because of the pandemic, this year is different. Many of Johnston’s volunteers are retired seniors, and she says she understands their concerns and doesn’t blame them for their decision to sit this year out.

“Over the years I have been blessed to have the most amazing people answer my call for volunteers,” Johnston said. “I still have amazing people answering the call, just not enough of them. The pandemic is affecting all the literacy programs throughout the state.”

Johnston is specifically seeking volunteers for the following GED classes: morning and evening classes in Canton and Macomb, and evening classes in Rushville. Volunteers may tutor remotely or face-to-face. “We follow all CDC recommendations in our in-person classes with social distancing, face masks/shields, and hand sanitizer.”

“Volunteers are a vital part of the success of the program and of our students,” Johnston said. “We’ll provide the training, and the hours are flexible.”

For more information about being a volunteer tutor, contact Johnston at (309) 833-6038.

Applications for SRC Foundation Scholarships due March 15

Scholarship applications for students who are considering attending Spoon River College beginning Fall 2021 or anytime during the 2021-2022 academic year will be accepted through the close of business on March 15, 2021.  The required forms are available on the SRC website at www.src.edu/scholarships.

Applicants must complete the scholarship application, complete a 2021-22 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and submit their most recent transcripts. This process is required for all scholarships.  In order to be eligible for any SRC Foundation scholarships, they must have and maintain a GPA of 2.5.

“The best part about our process is that a student need only apply once to be considered for all SRC Foundation scholarships,” said Colin Davis, executive director for the SRC Foundation. “The website is a one-stop-shop for applying.”

In addition to Foundation scholarships, the college offers academic and performing grants as well.  These scholarships may require contact with specific faculty members or coaches.  Scholarships for high school students wishing to take dual credit classes are also available at various times throughout the year, as are scholarships for career and technical students.

Students can also receive other types of financial aid in addition to scholarships.

“Many students are pleasantly surprised to find that they can receive both a scholarship and other sources of revenue such as Pell Grants or Work Study,” said Missy Wilkinson, dean of student services.

This year the Foundation will be providing over 100 scholarships to students of all ages, traditional and non-traditional, new or returning, full or part-time, and in a variety of academic pursuits.  Any student who is considering attending SRC is urged to apply in order to be considered for scholarship opportunities.

“Even if you aren’t sure you’ll be attending Spoon River, we highly encourage you to apply if you think there is a chance you’ll be here as a student in the fall,” said Davis. “Scholarship funds go quickly, and opportunities are much fewer after this March 15 deadline.”

For more information, contact Colin Davis at colin.davis@src.edu or contact any Spoon River College advisor at (309) 647-4645.

College Visit Days March 15-18 at Canton and Macomb Campuses

Spoon River College is hosting College Visit Days March 15-18 from 9-11 a.m. each day at the Canton and Macomb campuses. This event is for people of all ages who are interested in learning about the transfer education and career programs offered at Spoon River College.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with student advisors and financial aid staff, learn about the application process, tuition costs, available scholarships, student life activities and student clubs.

Tours of the campuses will be given at both locations, and on the Canton Campus will also include the Snapper Villas student housing. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.

High school students should inquire with their school about using a college visit day, and letters from the College confirming their attendance at the event will be provided to those students if needed.

Masks are required at Spoon River College for all students, staff, and visitors.

Due to COVID-19, the number of people will be limited. RSVP at src.edu/collegevisit. Attendees may choose the day that works best for them.

The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S Johnson Street.

SRC Community Chorus Winter Concert Tickets Now on Sale

​Tickets for the SRC Community Chorus Winter Concert, Silver Songs & Golden Gifts, are now on sale.  Over 60 singers, musicians, and production members will present the in-person concert at the First Christian Church in Canton on December 4 and 5 at 7 p.m.

The $12 general admission tickets may be purchased by contacting any Chorus member, by emailing srccommunitychorus@gmail.com, or by calling (309) 649-6269 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Proceeds from the concert fund SRC scholarships.

John L. Davis directs with Gretchen Fuller on piano, Drew Ponder on bass, Tom Sandman on percussion, as well as other chorus members playing a variety of instruments.  Silver Songs & Golden Gifts features sacred and contemporary numbers highlighting the joy and beauty of the winter holiday season.

“I enjoy researching and selecting songs representing the widest variety of musical genres,” John Davis says.  “We will present the electrifying Nigerian number Oba Ti De, right along with Silver Bells, Zat You, Santa Claus, and All I Want for Christmas is You.  We offer something for every person’s taste in this concert.”

In addition, a dramatic musical adaptation by Carol Davis of the beloved O. Henry story THE GIFT OF THE MAGI will be performed.  Seated is limited and pandemic protocols of the First Christian Church will be followed.

Singers in the Winter Concert include Tori Albanito, Andrea Barbknecht, Carla Bobell, Gloria Bradford, Laurie Brown, Janice Bruster, Cecily Burnham, Cassy Collins, Carol Davis, Jackie Davis, Linda Dilts, Sherry Hilton, Susan Juliusson, Denise Kirgan, Carol Kohler, Lindsey Larson, Aja Lawson, Wendy Martin, Sara Mathis, Sue Maurice, Joyce McGhee, Susie McMillen, Janet Munson, Natalie Orwig, Lisa Renner, Virginia Reter, Karen Shaw, Stacy Smith, Jean Sprecher, Julie Toney, Melissa Walker, Tammy Weaver, Lauren Wilcoxen, Pam Willison, Bruce Beal, Edwin Brinklow, Colin Davis, Kevin Dearing, Richard Etter, Aaron Haacke, Jacob Haarman, Kevin Kessler, Clay Klinedinst, Steve Mason, Trygve Meade, Chad Murphy, Ron Rupe, Shane Smith, Allen Smith, Mike Varnes and Randy Weaver.

“Due to the pandemic, the SRC Chorus could not perform its 15^th anniversary concert in person last December,” Carol Davis, Artistic Director said.  “However, we were able to create a three-hour video filled with beautiful music, readings, and visual artistry submitted by our multi-talented chorus members.  The video was viewed by over 500 people and helped the SRC Foundation raise over $50,000 on its Giving Tuesday.”

The Chorus was able to present its summer musical revue The Musical World of Disney to a reduced audience in August.

“We are taking extra precautions for both our performers and our audience members this 2021-22 season so that we may continue to safely offer live performances,” Carol Davis said.  “We encourage our patrons to secure their tickets early as we will not have as many seats to offer as in years past.”

Next up Barry Cloyd’s musical and historical tribute to Jules Verne & H.G. Wells – The Birth of Sci-Fi and the First Citizens of the Future on Sunday, April 24, 2022.  The announcement of the 2022 Summer Musical will be announced soon.

For information about the Chorus, visit www.src.edu/chorus.

Final College Visit Day is November 17

Spoon River College will host their final College Visit Day for the fall semester at their Canton and Macomb campuses on Wednesday, November 17 from 9−11:30. Prospective students and parents will be able to talk with advisors, get the facts on financial aid options, and learn about the support resources available for students, including tutoring, counseling, and disability support services. Transfer education and career programs will also be highlighted.

The event is for people of all ages wanting to learn more about the college process, and high school students using a college visit day will be provided with a letter confirming their attendance at the event. Tours of the campuses will be given, and will include the Multi-Purpose Building and Snapper Villas student housing on the Canton Campus. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.

Eve Zimmerman, dual credit coordinator, said feedback from the first two College Visit Day events were positive. “Attendees have told us they enjoyed the chance to see the college and talk with staff, and were open to attending similar events in the future.”

RSVP online at https://www.src.edu/collegevisit. Masks are required at Spoon River College for all students, staff, and visitors. The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street.