Congrats to this week's Hub Award winner, Alayna Smardo. Whatever she may be doing, Alayna does it with a positive attitude and a good work ethic. She works well with others and frequently presents creative ideas with her group projects. She's truly a positive influence on those around her, and she helps make RTHS a better place. Thank you, Alayna!
Kishwaukee College will be hosting Visit Day on President’s Day, Monday, February 16. This annual event provides an excellent opportunity for prospective students and their families to learn more about our academic programs and student support services.
During the event, guests will learn about:
~Transfer 101 and Next Steps
~Career and Technical Education Programs
~Health Science Programs
~Scholarships and Financial Aid
~Student Involvement and Athletics
Visit Day will also include campus tours, an information fair, FAFSA assistance, and guidance on how to get started at Kish.
*See the flyer with additional details and a QR code for registration.*
During the event, guests will learn about:
~Transfer 101 and Next Steps
~Career and Technical Education Programs
~Health Science Programs
~Scholarships and Financial Aid
~Student Involvement and Athletics
Visit Day will also include campus tours, an information fair, FAFSA assistance, and guidance on how to get started at Kish.
*See the flyer with additional details and a QR code for registration.*
This past Sunday and Monday, RTHS Choir students Brooklyn Hull, Hiliana Martinez, and Vivian Worthington spent two incredible days making music alongside 900 choral students from across the Midwest at the 2026 Dorian Festival at Luther College.
The experience culminated in the Dorian Festival Grand Concert, where they had the honor of performing with Luther College’s renowned Nordic Choir. They did an outstanding job representing RTHS at this music-filled festival.
Way to go, Hubs! 💜🤍
The RTHS speech team finished in 2nd place at the I-8 Conference Meet this past Saturday. The Hubs had several 2nd place finishers: Alayna Smardo in Oratory, Daphne Wise in Humorous Interpretation, Connor Macklin in both Impromptu and Extemp Speaking, and Brooklyn Hull & Derek Swartz in Dramatic Duet Acting. The team also had TWO CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS: Derek Swartz in Humorous Interpretation and Matilda Gonser in Radio Speaking.
Speaker of the week is Connor Macklin.
Speaker of the week is Connor Macklin.
Seniors! Mark your calendars….April 10th is the final deadline to submit Silver Service hours to earn your Silver Cord to wear at graduation. Keep volunteering and entering those hours into SchooLinks. We’re proud of you! 🙌
The National Center for Rural Health Professions' Rural Health Careers Camp is being held again in 2026. This is the 21st year of offering this camp to rural high school students located in northwest IL!
This year's camp will be held again at Northern Illinois University. The camp is scheduled to run from Monday, June 29, 2026 - Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The cost of this year's camp is $150.00.
Attached is a flyer with a QR code to the camp's webpage with application link. Registration is limited to 50 students, so be sure to register early!
https://ncrhp.uic.edu/programs/experiences/rural-health-careers-camp/
The annual American Legion Americanism Essay Contest is underway. This year's prompt is, "What are the Core American Values?" Cash prizes are available. See Mrs. Harvey in the Counseling Center to pick up a packet or for more information. Deadline to turn in the essay is February 6th.
📣 DO YOU KNOW A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WHO WILL BE ENTERING AN ENGINEERING PROGRAM NEXT FALL?? 📣
Region 3 of the Engineering Society of Illinois, Rock River Area, is now accepting applications for the annual scholarship(s) given by the organization to the most qualified student(s) entering the field of engineering!
This scholarship is for high school seniors who will be enrolling in an accredited engineering program in the fall of 2026.
Please follow the attached link for additional details and full application packet.
Applications are due Friday, January 30, 2026.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ln0WlUa91ETBgT9jFPI8OcVp303MqWAe/view?usp=sharing
Region 3 of the Engineering Society of Illinois, Rock River Area, is now accepting applications for the annual scholarship(s) given by the organization to the most qualified student(s) entering the field of engineering!
This scholarship is for high school seniors who will be enrolling in an accredited engineering program in the fall of 2026.
Please follow the attached link for additional details and full application packet.
Applications are due Friday, January 30, 2026.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ln0WlUa91ETBgT9jFPI8OcVp303MqWAe/view?usp=sharing
Welcome to January!! A month to start new goals for the year! Hope everyone is enjoying their break. Below are some key dates to look out for in January. Scan the QR code for the athletic schedule.
https://schools.snap.app/rochelletownshiphs
https://schools.snap.app/rochelletownshiphs
Looking to earn Silver Service Hours? Don’t miss this great opportunity! Volunteers are needed to help with admissions at the REC Center in Rochelle on Saturdays from 2–6 p.m. during January and February. See the flyer for more details and scan the QR code to sign up. Link to sign up: https://forms.gle/YVmXKS9sQYy28HF56
Big news! The Horatio Alger Association’s Undergraduate Scholarship application is officially open.
If you’re a high school junior, senior, or current college student who has worked hard to rise above life's challenges, this could be the opportunity to shape your future. The Horatio Alger Association lifts up students who have faced adversity through financial assistance and a nationwide network of encouragement, mentorship, and resources.
Explore scholarship opportunities and learn how to apply at https://horatioalger.org/scho.../undergraduate-scholarships/
If you’re a high school junior, senior, or current college student who has worked hard to rise above life's challenges, this could be the opportunity to shape your future. The Horatio Alger Association lifts up students who have faced adversity through financial assistance and a nationwide network of encouragement, mentorship, and resources.
Explore scholarship opportunities and learn how to apply at https://horatioalger.org/scho.../undergraduate-scholarships/
Rochelle Township High School is proud to recognize Ashley Villanueva as the Rotary Student of the Month for November. A dedicated senior known for her kindness, leadership, and commitment to service, Ashley has accumulated an outstanding 563 Silver Service Volunteer Hours over her four years at RTHS.
Ashley’s volunteer work spans a wide range of community events and school programs. She has contributed her time to Make a Difference Day, assisted at the Rochelle Public Library, volunteered at the annual Lenten Fish Fry, and devoted more than 200 hours to the HUB Project. Ashley has also served as a Cross Country Manager, supported Fiesta Hispana, babysat for local families, and helped out in the Counseling Center as a Counseling Center Monitor during her study hall.
In addition to her impressive volunteer work, Ashley is an active leader within the school community. She participates in Madrigals, Cultural Reform Alliance, Student Council, and the Midnight Voices vocal jazz group. She also serves as the President of Educators Rising where she leads meetings and helps with the running of the club.
RTHS extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ashley for her accomplishments and thanks her for the countless ways she has given back to both the school and the Rochelle community. Her dedication to service truly embodies the spirit of the Rotary Club’s motto: Service Above Self. Congratulations, Ashley!
Ashley’s volunteer work spans a wide range of community events and school programs. She has contributed her time to Make a Difference Day, assisted at the Rochelle Public Library, volunteered at the annual Lenten Fish Fry, and devoted more than 200 hours to the HUB Project. Ashley has also served as a Cross Country Manager, supported Fiesta Hispana, babysat for local families, and helped out in the Counseling Center as a Counseling Center Monitor during her study hall.
In addition to her impressive volunteer work, Ashley is an active leader within the school community. She participates in Madrigals, Cultural Reform Alliance, Student Council, and the Midnight Voices vocal jazz group. She also serves as the President of Educators Rising where she leads meetings and helps with the running of the club.
RTHS extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ashley for her accomplishments and thanks her for the countless ways she has given back to both the school and the Rochelle community. Her dedication to service truly embodies the spirit of the Rotary Club’s motto: Service Above Self. Congratulations, Ashley!
RTHS is proud to recognize Levi Waddle, a senior at Rochelle Township High School, as the December Rotary Student of the Month. Levi exemplifies the Rotary ideals of service, leadership, and community engagement, making him an outstanding choice for this honor.
Throughout his four years at RTHS, Levi has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service, accumulating 360 Silver Service Hours—a remarkable achievement that reflects his dedication to helping others. In addition to his academic and extracurricular commitments, including marching band, bowling, and cross country, Levi has generously volunteered his time and talents to support numerous organizations and community events.
Levi’s volunteer efforts span a wide range of activities. He has contributed many hours at the RJT and RTHS track concession stands, where he also assisted with maintaining the facilities by raking the jumping pits. He has supported the ARUNA Run multiple times and participated in R.O.C.K. retreats on two occasions, taking on responsibilities such as serving food and preparing cabins for participants.
His commitment to service extends into his neighborhood, where he routinely assists others by mowing, raking, cleaning, and helping with yardwork. Levi has volunteered at the Illinois Food Bank, distributing food to families in need, and played a vital role at the Hot Dog Fest by handing out hot dogs to community members. Additionally, Levi has served in his church’s Kindergarten room and helped by babysitting when needed as well as assisted moving furniture at the Rescue Mission.
RTHS congratulates Levi Waddle on being named the December Rotary Student of the Month and extends heartfelt thanks for his continued contributions to the community. We look forward to seeing the great things he will accomplish in the future.
Throughout his four years at RTHS, Levi has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service, accumulating 360 Silver Service Hours—a remarkable achievement that reflects his dedication to helping others. In addition to his academic and extracurricular commitments, including marching band, bowling, and cross country, Levi has generously volunteered his time and talents to support numerous organizations and community events.
Levi’s volunteer efforts span a wide range of activities. He has contributed many hours at the RJT and RTHS track concession stands, where he also assisted with maintaining the facilities by raking the jumping pits. He has supported the ARUNA Run multiple times and participated in R.O.C.K. retreats on two occasions, taking on responsibilities such as serving food and preparing cabins for participants.
His commitment to service extends into his neighborhood, where he routinely assists others by mowing, raking, cleaning, and helping with yardwork. Levi has volunteered at the Illinois Food Bank, distributing food to families in need, and played a vital role at the Hot Dog Fest by handing out hot dogs to community members. Additionally, Levi has served in his church’s Kindergarten room and helped by babysitting when needed as well as assisted moving furniture at the Rescue Mission.
RTHS congratulates Levi Waddle on being named the December Rotary Student of the Month and extends heartfelt thanks for his continued contributions to the community. We look forward to seeing the great things he will accomplish in the future.
REGISTRATION for Rochelle Community Hospital's Immersive Career Quest Program is NOW OPEN! Space is very limited, so be sure to see the flyer for more info and register right away if you are interested in this great opportunity.
REGISTRATION for Rochelle Community Hospital's Immersive Career Quest Program is NOW OPEN! Space is very limited, so be sure to see the flyer for more info and register right away if you are interested in this great opportunity.
Looking to earn Silver Service Hours? Don’t miss this great opportunity! Volunteers are needed to help with admissions at the REC Center in Rochelle on Saturdays from 2–6 p.m. during January and February. See the flyer for more details and scan the QR code to sign up. Link to sign up: https://forms.gle/YVmXKS9sQYy28HF56
Looking to earn Silver Service Hours? Don’t miss this great opportunity! Volunteers are needed to help with admissions at the REC Center in Rochelle on Saturdays from 2–6 p.m. during January and February. See the flyer for more details and scan the QR code to sign up.
Congratulations to RTHS KEC student Yandel Mendez!
🎨🗿 Mrs. DeKing’s 3-D Art Class — 5th Annual Big Head Project!
Students brought imagination to life through larger-than-life paper mâché sculptures, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and personality in every piece. We’re so proud of these bold, expressive works!
Students brought imagination to life through larger-than-life paper mâché sculptures, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and personality in every piece. We’re so proud of these bold, expressive works!
