CEO Students Honor Mentors: Celebrating a Year of Achievements

This morning marked a special occasion for the Kankakee County CEO team as they gathered at Higher Grounds, located at Asbury UMC, to express their heartfelt appreciation for their professional mentors. The team shared a breakfast with mentors, catered by The Country Table. CEO students presented each mentor with personal messages and a certificate of appreciation, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the CEO program. Mentors were also treated to piano selections from Da’Jon Casiel and James Bretzlaff.

Students also posed for a photo with their CEO honor cords, which will be formally presented to them at their respective schools' seniors awards ceremonies, and worn at their commencements.

Throughout the past year, our CEO students have achieved remarkable milestones within the program. Thanks to the support of our local business community, who collaborate with area schools, our students have been immersed in enriching project-based experiences. From writing business and financial plans to gaining insights from industry experts, from embarking on business tours to engaging in one-on-one mentorship, our students have been equipped with invaluable skills, experience, and knowledge.

The experiential learning journey of our CEO students extends far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. By delving into real-world business concepts, they have honed critical 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, self-motivation, and effective communication. With each endeavor, our students have embraced the essence of responsibility and higher-order thinking, paving the way for well-rounded, professional development.

Many thanks to the mentors, board, and investors who have made this opportunity possible for these seniors!

5/10/24