SIC Celebrates Academic and Student Leadership at Annual Honors Luncheon
Southeastern Illinois College honored top students and team members at its annual Honors Luncheon held April 23 in the Harry L. Crisp Student Center. The event, hosted by SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss, recognized a wide range of achievements in academics, leadership, and competitive teams for the 2024–2025 academic year.
“This event is one of the highlights of our academic year,” said President Dr. Karen Weiss. “It’s a time when we celebrate not just achievement, but also the hard work, leadership, and dedication of our students and teams. We are so proud of what these Falcons have accomplished and excited to see where their paths will lead next.”
Executive Dean of Student Services Dr. Kyla Burford recognized two Phi Theta Kappa officers, Skyler Edwards of Norris City and Skylar Gentles of Shawneetown, for their selection to the All-Illinois USA Academic Team. These students were chosen to represent SIC as two of the top community college students in the state.
Edwards was also honored as Southeastern’s winner of the 2025 Paul Simon Student Essay Contest, which was presented by Executive Dean of Institutional Effectiveness Chris Barr. The statewide contest, sponsored by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, highlights student experiences at community colleges. In her winning essay, Edwards reflected on arriving in the U.S. at age 16 after living abroad for 12 years, and how SIC helped her grow into a confident leader through opportunities in Student Government, Phi Theta Kappa, and campus employment.
Dr. Burford also presented the Spirit of Southeastern Award to Charles King of Ozark. The Spirit of Southeastern is the oldest individual award given at the college. It honors a sophomore who demonstrates integrity, enthusiasm, and dedication to the ideals of SIC. The recipient is selected by faculty and staff based on their care for the college community, academic standing, active participation in campus life, goal-setting, and overall positive citizenship at Southeastern.
Outstanding team members were named from several of SIC’s competitive programs.
Allie Prentice of Ortonville, Michigan, was honored for archery. A standout on the Falcon Archers team, Prentice holds a national indoor record in the Women’s Collegiate Compound category and is a finalist for USA Archery All-American. Coach Ricky Sauls said he first noticed her talent years ago and praised her as “one of the best people I know,” highlighting her skills, leadership, and eagerness to help others succeed.
Charles King of Ozark was honored as the top player for Falcon Basketball. A standout on and off the court, King served as the 2024–2025 team captain and scored an impressive 880 career points at SIC. He led the team this season with 21 points per game and 8 rebounds per game. King was named a First Team Small College All-American, USCAA National Student Athlete of the Year, and Academic All-American, earning praise for both his athletic ability and academic excellence.
Kialee Hardin of Salem received the honor for women’s bowling. Coach Doug Cottom described her as “a very good, well-rounded player” who maintained a positive attitude and perfect attendance. He noted that she will be a key contributor in her sophomore year. On the men’s side, Daden Moore of Anna was recognized. Cottom called him “the easiest player to coach and be around” in his six years leading the program and praised his dedication, commuting from Anna without ever missing a practice.
“A coach could only dream of having student athletes like these two,” he added.
Cord Tucker of Broughton earned recognition for Falcon Golf. Coach Shain Miller noted his growth both on the course and academically, and said Tucker turned in the best 18-hole match performance of any player he has coached at SIC.
Dalton Hursey of Collinsville was selected for the trapshooting honor but was not present. Coach Jordan Hammersley described him as an academic and team leader who served as captain of the SIC Clay Breakers. Hursey excelled in hands-on conservation internships and outreach with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“Dalton has been an indispensable part of his team,” said Hammersley. “Though we will be ecstatic to see him graduate, he will be dearly missed.”
Gabby Shrum of Marion received the award for volleyball. Coach Jon Watts described her as a constant defensive force and a true leader on the court, serving as libero for two seasons.
“She has shown what dedication looks like on the volleyball court, in the weight room, and in the classroom,” he said. “She always has a smile while playing the game and has been an inspiration to her team.
Model Illinois Government Coach Matt Lees recognized the team for capturing its 15th overall team championship and completing a three-peat victory in the statewide legislative simulation. The team led the competition in overall points and leadership roles.
Head Delegate Tobias Hamblin of Norris City earned the Donna Lennon Award for Outstanding Member of the House and was also honored with the Michaella K. Grounds Outstanding Contribution to MIG Award.
Other honorees included Ethan Howard of Enfield, who was named Outstanding First Year Member in the Senate, and Trenton Clifford of New Haven, who received the Outstanding First Year Delegate in the House Award. Jaxson Buckman of New Haven and Abbey Mobley of Norris City were recognized for Outstanding Original Legislation. Additional team members included Logan Brinkley, Skye Casey, Halle Price and Zaine Hathaway.
As Student Government Sponsor, Lees also introduced the 2024–2025 Student Government Executive Board, noting their impact on campus through events, student outreach, and leadership. Skyler Edwards served as Student Body President, presiding over meetings and representing students on SIC’s Strategic Planning Committee. Trenton Clifford served as Vice President and led the Student Life Committee.
Skylar Gentles served as Treasurer and was involved in organizing events and managing Freddie’s Pantry, SIC’s on-campus food pantry. Kassidy Beane served as Secretary and oversaw production of the Falcon Flyer student newsletter. Charles King served as Student Trustee, representing students on the SIC Board of Trustees.
To conclude the ceremony, President Weiss recognized 120 graduating students earning honors for completing at least 45 credit hours with academic distinction. These students represented a wide variety of communities in the region and beyond:
Anna – Daden Moore
Ava – Emily Lowes
Beecher City – Madison Dye
Benton – Emma Calcaterra, Delaney Leffler
Brighton – Gavin Michener Lake
Brookport – Trinity Lott
Broughton – Chayli Phelps, Cord Tucker
Carbondale – Aaron Sanders
Carlyle – Wade Sabo
Carmi – Karis Carlson, Layne Gwaltney, Ebonie Hawkins, Morgan Howard, Peyton Inabit, Jennifer Johnson, Bryson Moore, McKenzie Nipper
Carrier Mills – Reagan Brasher, Elizabeth Bristow, Kadence Lunsford (listed twice)
Cave In Rock – Alexis DeGrave, Hailey McDowell
Eddyville – Kassidy Beane
Eldorado – Garret Armijo, Jack Bruce, Max Davis, Olivia Easley, Tabitha Gentry, Kenlee Grisham, Mackenzie Hogg, Addison Kittinger, McKenzie Melvin, Candace Murphy, Kimberly Riley, Gabrielle Russell, Sidney Wheeler, Allyson Winters
Elizabethtown – Aida Barnard, Calista Conley, Nyla Sheftic, Aiden Vaughn, Emma Weatherington
Enfield – Gabriel Heil, Colby Prather
Equality – Madilynn Cruson, Breanna Zirkelbach
Galatia – Adrian Hill, Reese Reynolds, Carter Wiseman
Golconda – Abigail Janssen, Zachary Watson
Harrisburg – Kaylee Barger, Dulce Brimm, Skye Casey, Sophia Dawe, Dayanara Degler, Katelyn Dunning, William Ferrell, Abbie Graham, Katelyn Hall, Tina Hamilton, Keri Horton, Ian Irvin, Madelyn Johnson, Eliza Markham, Alexa Marvel, Rowyn McAshton, RaCquel Prather, Ellie Rann, Jaxton Roper, Sophia Shelton, Lucas Stricklin, Benjamin Titcomb, Novah Watt, Brandi Whitt, Sophie Williams
Herod – Charles Davis
Kewanee – Marissa Stevens
Madisonville, Kentucky – Parker Mathis
Marion – Kenley Ashmore, Natalie Farmer, Emmylou Haught, Gabrielle Shrum, Bailey Weber, Abby Zirkelbach
Metropolis – Sophie Bormann, Bennett Neely
Midland, Michigan – Gabriel Lobsinger
New Haven – Trenton Clifford, Rolanda Hinton
Norris City – Skyler Edwards, Alyssa Finn, Brianna Prather
North Saanich, British Columbia– Griffin Gladych
Omaha – Eric York
Ozark – Charles King
Paducah, Kentucky – Jordan Bufford
Pinckneyville – Matthew Rohlfing
Pittsburg – Trista Williams
Raleigh – Korah Migliore
Ridgway – Hayden Moore, Darrin Newton, Jessica Rorer, Rylie Rushing
Rosiclare – Ava Bishop, Emery Stricklin
Sesser – Bria Williams
Shawneetown – Wyatt Crane, Skylar Gentles
Stonefort – Lane Boaz, Kaylee Klope, Hunter Patterson, Kivilcim Spanel
Sturgis, KY – Schuyler Vineyard McGhee, Norris Syers
Waverly, KY – Caleb Tripp
Wayland, IA – Jonathan Moore
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