Crete-Monee High School Celebrates Student Achievement at Annual Scholarship Night
Crete-Monee High School honored the achievements of its graduating seniors during the annual Scholarship Night on May 15, 2025. The event recognized students receiving scholarships for college and trade school, thanks to the generous support of local businesses, organizations, and alumni.
A major highlight of the evening was the Witherite Law Group’s presentation of 33 renewable scholarships of $2,500 each. Kimberly Esquivel, a 1996 CMHS graduate and current Witherite Law Group employee, presented the awards and partnered with the CMHS Guidance Department to support students throughout the application and interview process.
Other notable scholarships included the Dorn L. Williams Long Future Teachers Scholarship and the Crete Woman’s Club Pay It Forward Education Scholarship, which were awarded to six students pursuing careers in education.
The district’s celebration of student success continued on May 20 with a separate event hosted by the Nickerson Family Legacy Foundation. During the program, seven CMHS students from University Park were awarded $2,500 renewable scholarships, representing a $10,000 investment in each student’s college education. The evening featured a powerful moment when twin sisters Anaya and Ayana King shared how their mother’s battle with cancer impacted their high school experience. Moved by their courage, alumnus Amon Jamal Nickerson announced the foundation would fully cover the sisters’ tuition at the University of Illinois Chicago.
“Our students’ success is a reflection of our strong partnerships with families and the broader Crete-Monee community,” said Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese. “It’s inspiring to see local organizations step forward in such meaningful ways to invest in the next generation.”
“I am incredibly proud of the entire Crete-Monee Class of 2025,” said Lamont Holifield, Crete-Monee High School Principal. “They have worked extremely hard to reach this point and have bright futures ahead.”
2025 Scholarship Recipients