The students received certificates of recognition for completing six semesters of study at Rock Island High School and earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. Along with the certificates of recognition, the student's picture will be displayed in the front lobby at the high school.
Students presented with the designation: Julian Anderson, Daxton Ashpaugh, Anjilika Barikzay, Erriea Bea, Jake Brandt, Quinci Bumgarner, Chloe Cooper, Nhi Dang, Stephen Dillender, Lauren Gant, Ella Hansen, Shawn Harrison, Riley Hawotte, Lynzie Heggen, Aidan Henderson, Nathan Hendrickx, Paw Htoo, Aiyanna Lacey, Ntiebuwayo Leya, Madelyn Maidak, Keller Mathews, Kaiya McKinley, Mackenzie Meirhaeghe, Montzerrat Meza-Pena, Aline Niyogusenga, Kaylee Plohr, Brandon Poulos, Nee Pwe, Lucas Rettig, Kayla Rice, Isabelle Roelens, Eh Soe, Emma Stout, Makenzie Terry, Olivia Wiese, and Amiyah Woods.
The designation was established back in 1998 by the RIMSD #41 Board of Education in honor of Charles O. Austin, Jr., who served District #41 for 14 years as Rock Island High School Principal and for 7 years as Superintendent of Schools. Austin demanded excellence, was a role model for achievement, and directly impacted the lives of thousands of our communities' youth.