The East St. Louis Sr. High School Class of 2022 has much to celebrate. This class of 256 graduates has earned a combined total of over $29 million in postsecondary scholarships. Two graduates, Jaden Hale and Candace Yates, also earned their associate degrees while graduating from high school. Candace was also named the Class Valedictorian. Jaden earned the prestigious title of Great American Rivalry Series Scholar Athlete (one of 159 Scholar Athletes across the country recognized by their commitment to excellence on the field and in the classroom). Both Candace and Jaden obtained transferable college credits and got a “running start” on their postsecondary ambitions.
Qualifying students at East St. Louis Senior High School are given the challenging opportunity to participate in the Running Start program their junior and senior years to take all their courses at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). These students earn college credits and can even earn their associate’s degree while graduating from high school. Students must qualify on academic merit. School District 189 covers all tuition, books, supplies, meals and transportation expenses, which ensures that students can focus their attention on academics and not how they will pay for college courses.
