Vienna High School senior selected for statewide student fellowship

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

VIENNA, Ill., (KBSI) — Incoming Vienna High School senior Grace Laubscher has been selected for a statewide student fellowship focused on high school graduation readiness and postsecondary opportunities.

The Stand for Children fellowship brings together students and recent graduates from across Illinois who are pursuing career and technical education, dual-credit courses, work-based learning, internships, career center programs and other pathways beyond high school.

Participants will examine why students choose different postsecondary paths and identify the resources that help guide those decisions. They will also develop tools to advocate for programs that help students make informed choices about life after graduation.

“Through this opportunity, I hope to expand my understanding of the Illinois education system,” Laubscher said. “I plan to share my experiences and understandings to better support Illinois students accurately.”

Aimee Galvin, director of government relations with Stand for Children, said success after high school does not follow a single path.

“Post-graduation readiness means every student is graduating with the academic proficiency, workplace skills and career vision to set them up for whatever’s next,” Galvin said.

Vienna High School Superintendent Joshua Stafford said Laubscher’s experience connecting education with future plans will make her perspective valuable to the fellowship.

The program will include student profiles and final projects.