SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will give the commencement address on Thursday for the Carl Sandburg College Class of 2013.

Simon will highlight the accomplishments of eight graduates who overcame obstacles to earn associate degrees that link them to in-demand jobs or bachelor’s degree programs. Her featured students include a student who enrolled at Sandburg a week before classes began, a soccer player who wants to be the next Bill Gates, and a graduate who entered Sandburg with 29 college credits.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the Sandburg Class of 2013,” said Simon, the state’s point person on education reform. “As these graduates transition to bachelors programs and into the workforce, it’s important to recognize their accomplishments.”

In her first year in office, Simon visited each of the state’s 48 community colleges in an effort to increase the proportion of adults with a college credential to 60 percent, up from the current 41 percent, by 2025.

DATE: Thursday, May 16

TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Galesburg High School, Hegg Auditorium, 1135 W. Freemont St., Galesburg

GREENVILLE, SC (05/15/2013)(readMedia)-- The following students are among more than 1,500 Bob Jones University students included on the Dean's List for grades achieved during the Spring 2013 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a 3.0 GPA.

Ruth Gunti of Bettendorf, IA (52722) Sophomore, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Danielle Hurst of Bettendorf, IA (52722) Junior, Elementary Education

Located in Greenville, S.C., Bob Jones University is a biblically faithful, liberal arts university focused on educating the whole person to reflect and serve Christ. BJU offers a unique blend of rigorous academic programs, discipleship, and character and leadership development. We are committed to the truth of Scripture and to pursuing excellence in all we do.

BJU provides over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs in religion, education, fine arts and communication, arts and science, and business. BJU has approximately 3,500 students from every state and 41 countries.

Moline, Illinois--Jefferson Early Childhood Center is holding a Spring Event celebrating the achievements of the youngest learners in Moline District # 40 on Friday, May 17th during both the morning and afternoon sessions. Morning- 9:00- 11:30 and Afternoon- 12:15- 2:45.  

We are a program that serves the 3, 4, 5 year old At Risk students in Moline.  Lots of cute kids celebrating the end of the school year with caps, gowns, diplomas in beautiful gardenlike (lots of spring flowers, green grass) setting.  Various community leaders have also been invited. 

EXTRA INCENTIVE--there will be homemade cookies for all to enjoy!  We'd love to show the community how the Moline Schools are in the business of serving students-even in times of cuts and reductions.

SPRINGFIELD – May 14, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon’s Classrooms First Commission legislation, House Bill 2267, passed the Senate unanimously today. The legislation, which will make it easier for school districts to voluntarily consolidate, now heads to the governor’s desk.

Simon, the state’s point person on education reform, chaired the bipartisan Classrooms First Commission, which examined ways to help school districts reduce duplicative spending and improve educational offerings. The resulting legislation approved by both the House and Senate would allow non-contiguous school districts to consolidate, for faster reorganizations in small districts, and high school districts to tie consolidation dates to capital funding.

“It is important that school districts throughout the state have the tools they need in order to help students succeed. This legislation will put our students – not bureaucracy – first,” said Simon. “I would like to thank Sen. Andy Manar and Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth for their leadership in moving this bill, and I encourage Governor Quinn to sign it quickly.”

The Classrooms First Commission was comprised of P-20 stakeholders including teachers, administrators, parents and legislators, and it held public hearings across the state on school district consolidation last year. You can learn more about the commission’s recommendations here.