INA, Ill. (May 14, 2024) - As the school year comes to a close, Rend Lake College recently opened its doors to hundreds of enthusiastic students from kindergarten through 8th grade in the area. These events, ranging from Kindergarten Day to safety workshops and theatrical performances, underscore RLC’s commitment to fostering a desire of lifelong learning and safety awareness among students of all ages.
Kindergarten Day - A Day of Fun and Games
The college's campus buzzed with excitement as local kindergarteners from Opdyke-Belle Rive, Sesser, and Woodlawn explored the expansive Event Center and Banterra Sports Complex. The day was filled with laughter and joy as these young learners engaged in various playful activities, marking what was - for many - the first memorable interaction with the college.
Children’s Health Fair - A Focus on Fitness and Well-being
The Wayne Arnold Rec Center was the venue for the Children’s Health Fair, where hundreds of grade school students immersed themselves in various games and activities. The fair emphasized health, physical fitness, and other vital educational topics, providing a fun yet informative experience for all participants.
Flummoxed Fairy Tales - A Theatrical Adventure
One of the highlights of the series of events was "Flummoxed Fairy Tales," a theatrical performance that captivates hundreds of area grade schoolers each year. The packed RLC theater was alive with anticipation as students enjoyed unique takes on classic fairy tales such as Rapunzel and Snow White, written and directed by Tracey Webb. After the show, the cast, comprised mostly of RLC Thespian Club members, engaged in a Q & A session with the audience, discussing the intricacies of the performance and sharing behind-the-scenes insights.
This interaction not only provided an educational moment but also allowed RLC students to share their passion for theatre with younger members of the community. In the photo: FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT, are; Livi Edmonds (Christopher, IL), Cole Dagner (Valier), Jayme Soldan (Valier), Seyah Schernakau (Mt. Vernon, IL), Sabrina Cherry (Mt. Vernon), Brianna Johnson (McLeansboro), Emma Milby (Benton), and Asher Bates (Sesser). MIDDLE ROW, FROM LEFT, are; Payton Heater (Benton) and Daven Ort (Mt. Vernon). BACK ROW, FROM LEFT, are; Dayton Sanchez (Benton), Sean May (McLeansboro), Samuel Beusking (Mt. Vernon), Taylor Wilburn (Benton), Beckett Wilder (Benton), Chase Heinemeyer (Pinckneyville), Caleb Qualls (Sesser) and Conner Teriet (Salem).
Safety Day - Learning to Stay Safe
Middle school students had the opportunity to participate in Safety Day, presented by the Farm Bureau. This important event featured 10 different safety sessions, including fire safety demonstrations with an actual fire truck and discussions on farm safety. RLC’s own Blake Patton provided invaluable insights into Power Take-Off Safety behind the tractor, while Addison Page educated attendees on Sprayer and Equipment Safety. The day was an essential reminder of the importance of safety in everyday life on the farm.
Future Farmers of America - Exploring Agronomy
The college also welcomed members of the Future Farmers of America from middle schools, offering them a tour of the state-of-the-art Agronomy Innovation Center. Guided by leaders from the RLC Agriculture Program and experts from Syngenta, students discovered the latest advancements in agricultural practices, inspiring the next generation of agronomists.
