Class of 2026 heads to commencement with more than 1,300 college acceptances and a year of historic achievements in academics, arts, and athletics
Nationwide — As graduation approaches, all 135 seniors at Southland College Prep Charter High School are preparing to cross the stage with more than diplomas. They are also leaving with college acceptance letters from across the country and a combined $54 million in merit- and need-based scholarships.
The milestone marks the 13th consecutive year that 100 percent of Southland seniors have been accepted to college, continuing a tradition that has positioned the public charter high school in Chicago’s south suburbs as a model for college readiness and student achievement.
Collectively, the Class of 2026 earned more than 1,300 college acceptances from institutions nationwide. Seven students received full-ride scholarships from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, known as Cal Poly. Four students were admitted to Washington University in St. Louis, with three receiving full-ride scholarships.
“Admissions to the top schools are important, but equally important is that every student finds a school that is right for them,” said Robert Lane, Southland’s Director of College Admissions. “That has always been the mission here – to make sure every child leaves Southland with a pathway to success.”
The graduating class also distinguished itself as a class of champions, making history across academics, the arts, and athletics. In the arts, a team of Southland seniors captured the school’s first-ever IHSA Short Film state championship with the award-winning production Soul Music. Southland’s Speech Team won its fourth state championship in Performance in the Round, while the choir earned gold recognition at the World Heritage Festival in New York.
Southland’s nationally recognized music program also took center stage this spring when the marching band and Marching Lady Eagles were selected as one of just 10 high school bands in the nation to perform in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C., representing the state of Illinois. Notably, six of the top 10 students in the graduating class are members of Southland’s band and dance programs – reinforcing the school’s belief that excellence in the arts supports excellence in the classroom. That connection between the arts and academic achievement is reflected in the class’s top students.
Valedictorian LeiLani Barnes will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she plans to pursue a dual degree in kinesiology and dance. She serves as captain of the competitive dance team and co-captain of the Marching Lady Eagles. Salutatorian Loren Rounds will attend Yale University and study political science and public health. She is a section leader in the marching band and also performs in the jazz band.
Athletically, the class produced more historic firsts. Senior Amauree Williams became Southland’s first male IHSA state champion after winning the 300-meter hurdles state title. Meanwhile, the school’s inaugural competitive dance team captured the IHSA Class IA Sectional Championship and advanced to the state finals in its first season.
Scholarships were also presented during Southland’s recent “All In” celebration, the school’s annual event recognizing seniors for achieving 100 percent college acceptance.
Members of the Kwarteng family awarded four seniors $2,500 each, totaling $10,000 through the Kwarteng Foundation. Amy and Esther Kwarteng are alumni of Southland College Prep. The scholarship initiative was created in honor of their father, Dr. Alex Kwarteng, who immigrated to the United States from Ghana in search of opportunity and built a legacy rooted in education and service.
Southland College Prep has earned Exemplary designation from the Illinois State Board of Education, the state’s highest recognition, in six of the past seven years, placing it among the top 10 percent of schools statewide. This year, Southland ranked 11th out of 712 schools in Illinois.
Graduation is set for May 23 at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park in Chicago, where the Class of 2026 will mark the end of a senior year defined by achievement.
Learn more about Southland College Prep at SCPHS.org
For press inquiries, contact Monica Fountain, Director of Communications, 708-748-8105 ext. 4138