Jobs for Illinois Graduates (JILG) is proud to feature East Richland High School in Olney, IL.The rural community of Olney is located in Southeastern Illinois. East Richland High School has approximately 650 students and draws from Calhoun, Claremont, Dundas, and Olney.
The East Richland program served 40 students in the 2007-2008 school year and is currently serving 38 students for the 2008-2009 school year. Shannon Winters is in her second year as a Career Specialist. Through the diligent work of Mrs. Winters, the East Richland JILG students won four awards at the Career Development Conference during the spring of 2008. Awards included Megan Yonaka, second place in the portfolio contest, Jon Tighe second place in the college application contest, Jessica Troutt third place in the public speaking contest, and Sarah Ruesch received fourth place in the employment contest. Shannon Winters was named Rookie Specialist of the Year for 2008, a Data Award winner, and also receive a plaque for presenting at the JILG State Conference.
The JILG program at East Richland High School focuses on providing students with an opportunity to explore potential careers through a wide variety of field trips including the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Olney Fire Department, Richland Memorial Hospital, and the Richland County Courthouse. ERHS JILG students are introduced to additional career paths and essential life skills through guest speakers including the Illinois State Police, Military personnel, Hewitt-Jackson tax preparers, the Illinois Securities Department, and additional college representatives.
The East Richland JILG program has also contributed to their community through service learning projects. This year through student effort they were able to raise $1480.00 for St. Jude Hospital. This project was adopted by other JILG programs during the Leadership Development Conference, and through the combined effort over $13,000 was raised. Additional projects include “Cub Connection” a mentoring program for middle school students, “Pennies for Pets” which creates awareness and raises funds for the Richland County Animal Control, and Adopt-A-Family at Christmas time.
About the Specialist
Shannon Winters has been in education at East Richland for 15 years with an additional 4 years at Shoals High School, located in Shoals, Indiana. Shannon is a graduate of Oakland City University where she earned both her Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Administration.
