Legislative Tour Features Student Speakers in Southern Illinois
State legislators, SI Now executive director, students, ISBE and DCEO staff, along with regional leaders visited career and educational programs affiliated with Vienna High School and Five County Regional Vocational, as part of a Southern Illinois legislative tour focused on workforce development, career and technical education (CTE), the return on investment relating to evidence based […]
Incoming Freshmen CTE Day
Vienna High School welcomed eighth-grade students from its feeder schools, Buncombe Grade School, Cypress Grade School, Dongola, New Simpson Hill, and Vienna Grade School, for its 2026 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Day. The event invited incoming freshmen and other students considering enrollment at Vienna High School for the 2026–27 school year to explore the […]
Shawnee College CTE Day
In February 2026, Vienna sophomores had the opportunity to attend the Career Technical Education Day at Shawnee Community College. Students were introduced to numerous career education opportunities available at Shawnee. “As they came back to school, many students were excited about potential career opportunities and spoke with excitement about their experience,” said Vienna’s Director of […]
Vienna Students Earn Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
Students in Mrs. Leslie Bradley’s Education class at Vienna High School recently completed their Youth Mental Health First Aid certification, gaining skills that will serve them well in future careers, centered on helping others. The certification was made possible through instruction from Arrowleaf professionals, Emily Middleton and Fallon Mills, who guided students through training focused […]
Vienna Students Receive Golden Apple Scholarships
Two Vienna High School students, Gracyn Horn and Kylie Vaughn, have been named recipients of the prestigious Golden Apple Scholarship. Gracyn is a current member of the Success Network’s Student Advisory Council. The award, which provides financial support, mentorship, and hands-on experience, recognizes future educators committed to teaching excellence and service. With the addition of […]
Vienna Students and Staff Present at National Conference
Vienna High School was recognized on the national stage when two staff members, social workers Edna Bundren and Brandi Hammond, along with two seniors, Krista McBride and Joscelyn Morrow, were invited to present at the National Conference on Tobacco and Health held in Chicago. This opportunity stemmed from a dual-credit Social Work class project. As […]
SI Now and its Partners Launch Regional Career Connections Calendar
Driven by input from local educators and businesses, the Regional Career Connections calendar was created to better link Southern Illinois students with local career opportunities. By hosting a company visit or other career-connected event, local companies offer students a behind-the-scenes look at their workplace, introduce them to potential career paths, and help shape the future workforce — […]
College and High School at the Same Time in Vienna
For over a decade, Vienna High School has had multiple students who have marched to pomp and circumstance back-to-back. Class of 2025 seniors Ethyn Bradley (SCC), Jael Griesbach (SIC), Ora Goines (SIC), Leeann Jackson (SCC), Briley McBride (SCC), Tracy Simpson (SCC), Kendyl Sparks (SCC), Gabrielle Taylor (SCC), and Parker Trovillion (SCC) have not only completed […]
Vienna High School Recognizes Students Earning CNA and CCPE
Sherie Smith, Vienna nursing instructor, pinned 23 new nurses graduating from the Vienna High School program. The pinning featured remarks from principal John Giffin, Shawnee College dean of allied health and nursing Mandy Hannon, Max Hook with a scholarship presentation, and superintendent Dr. Joshua Stafford. Vienna’s program is regulated under the Illinois Department of Public […]
Southern Illinois Region
In October, SI NOW’s education and workforce task force partnered with the Success Network to host an education and workforce asset mapping meeting focused on the Southern Illinois region. This convening highlighted key challenges, desired outcomes, scaling needs, and priorities for advancing career pathways for Southern Illinois students. Nearly 30 stakeholders representing SI Now’s 17-county footprint attended […]