MCHS Student to Fly South and Join Other "Red Birds" Next Fall at ISU

Rebecca Bergmann, 17, Senior at

Rebecca Bergmann has officially enrolled at Illinois State University. It’s set in stone that she will be traveling south next fall to be part of the “Red Bird” tradition.

Bergmann, a resident of Shorewood, will be a student of the Bilingual-Bicultural Elementary Education Program at ISU. It is offered to students interested in using the Spanish language and culture as a teaching tool.  A Bilingual-Bicultural Education major is certified as an elementary school teacher with bilingual-bicultural approval. They also are endorsed to teach middle school-level social science and language arts.

She has been told by ISU officials that most students in this field of study will be hired in a job prior to graduation. That is a positive note for Bergmann, especially with the low rate of students entering the work field immediately upon graduation.

And when she lands that job, Bergmann is going to remember her teachers.

Bergmann said she admires all her teachers. She has observed them and respects their teaching methods. 

“I keep a mental note to myself and will apply these messages to my teaching,” Bergmann said. “I love how all my teachers are compassionate and understanding to students and are willing to help. That’s what I plan on continuing when I become an educator.”

Bergmann hopes to earn many scholarships to help off set the cost of college. With her recent Student of the Month Award presented by the , she will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships through the community organization, in addition to others.

“I didn’t know I was nominated for the award,” Bergmann said. “I was so excited when I received the letter that I won.”

The award was based on academic achievements, grades and community service.  

Currently, Bergmann is the president of Interact, a community service club at school. Around Halloween, the club conducted a canned food drive. During the holiday season, members will visit the Timbers of Shorewood, an assistance living facility and collect items for soldiers overseas as part of Operation Care Package, she said.

“Volunteerism is important,” Bergmann said. “Anyone can volunteer. It doesn’t matter what age or financial status. As long as you can give time.”

Academically, Bergmann is ranked 16th out of 500 classmates with a grade point average of 4.31 on a 4.0 scale. Her involvement in both the National Honor and Spanish National Honor Societies reflect that. By graduation, she wants to improve her ranking, she said. 

As a flutist, she performs in the Marching and Concert Bands, as well as the Orchestra Pit for the Spring musicals. Bergmann was selected to play in the Southern Prairie Conference Honor Band.

As a member of St. Jude’s Church in Joliet, Bergmann is a member of the youth group and a reader at masses.

In her free time, she continues to play her flute, go to the movies and likes to hang out and talk with her friends. She listens to different genres of music and reads. Her favorite was the Harry Potter series. Her favorite food is fettucini alfredo and mint Oreo ice cream.