Bolingbrook Teacher Recognized for College Readiness Efforts

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Independence Elementary School 1st grade teacher Melissa Hilliard has been featured in the Adjunct Newsletter of the University of St. Francis for her efforts to get her students thinking about college.

The USF alum and master’s degree candidate reached out to individuals involved in the Regional Educational Academy for Leadership (REAL) and the College of Education Advanced Program to ask if they would consider adopting her class.

“We really try to get students to believe that they can go to college and succeed,” Hilliard is quoted as saying. “I am trying to get my first graders, who are 58 percent high risk in a school with a 75 percent poverty rate, to understand that no matter what, they can go to college and be successful.”

According to the article, The REAL/Advanced Programs team quickly sprang into action, gathering from their own resources and those of the Welcome Center such items as a USF pennant, pencils, USF children’s activity booklets, and various “goodies” that could be used as rewards and raffle prizes for Melissa’s students.

In addition, following a suggestion from Independence Assistant Principal Dr. Guzman, herself a USF grad, Hilliard arranged for USF’s mascot, Bernie, to make a special guest appearance at the Independence College and Career Night last month.

“It makes me so proud…to have USF adopt my students,” stated Hilliard. “I always have my USF banner outside my room along with my bachelor’s degree. When we received the other USF materials, I began decorating my door like USF, and all day my students kept asking me when it would be done; they were so excited!”

The article also pointed out that when USF Alumni Relations learned of Hilliard’s deep connection to USF, they approached her about becoming an Alumni Mentor, which she has accepted. In that capacity, she will help and support other USF education majors on their journey to becoming similarly inspiring and committed educators.

Photo: Several of Melissa Hilliard’s 1st grade students at Independence Elementary School in Bolingbrook demonstrate their approval of a University of St. Francis activity book provided to them as part of a partnership between their classroom and the Joliet-based school. (Courtesy of Valley View School District 365U)

Submitted by Valley View School District 365U