East St. Louis District 189 Seniors Reach Remarkable $20 Million Scholarship Milestone

The East St. Louis School District said the class’s accomplishments include college, trade and technical school, military service, and career pathways as graduates prepare for their next steps. The announcement was made in a district post celebrating the Class of 2026.

Among the class’s academic milestones, two students earned associate’s degrees through the SWIC Running Start program, and nearly 100 students earned college credits through dual enrollment, according to the district. In addition, 33 students received the Illinois State Board of Education Career Pathway Endorsement Diploma Seal.

The district also detailed several career pathway accomplishments. It said 15 nursing graduates earned Health Care Science and Technology endorsements, seven construction trades graduates earned Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades endorsements, seven culinary arts graduates earned Human and Public Services endorsements, and four welding graduates earned Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades endorsements.

The district recognized several student leaders in the graduating class. Hector Castillo was named valedictorian, and Akeem Paulette was named salutatorian.

Class officers were Robyn Williams, president; Jakhari Funches, vice president; Kamora Mosby, secretary; and Tajah Wolf, treasurer.

In its announcement, the district said it was “proud to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the Class of 2026” and called the scholarship total “a testament to their hard work, determination, and bright futures ahead.”