Lincoln Trail College hosted the Academic Challenge for Engineering and Science (ACES) Competition on March 2, welcoming more than 125 students from nine area high schools to campus. The ACES Competition provides high school students the opportunity to test their knowledge in subjects related to engineering and science, including mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. Students select subject areas and complete exams designed to challenge their understanding and problem-solving abilities.

Olney Central College is hosting a FAFSA Completion Night from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24 in Room 205 on the second floor of Dr. Kent L. Wattleworth Hall. OCC Financial Aid experts will be available to answer questions and assist students and parents in Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those attending should bring their FSA ID and 2024 tax returns to simplify the process.  

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is mobilizing campus and community resources to support workers and families impacted by the sudden closure of Champion Laboratories in Albion. IECC — including Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College and Wabash Valley College — is coordinating training opportunities, financial assistance and career services to assist the more than 1,000 affected employees during this uncertain time.

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) will host a series of Student/Parent Information Nights, known as SPIN Nights, this March to help prospective students and their families take the next step toward college enrollment. Each campus will host its own SPIN Night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the following dates: Frontier Community College – March 3 Olney Central College – March 5 Lincoln Trail College – March 19 Wabash Valley College – March 17

Career and Technical Education Month at Lincoln Trail College is shining a spotlight on programs where students learn by doing, gaining hands-on experience and developing skills tied directly to in-demand careers. Across Career and Technical Education programs such as Process Technology, Telecommunications, Certified Medical Assistant and Welding, students say the opportunity to work with real equipment and learn in active lab environments has been a defining part of their college experience.

Lincoln Trail College alumna Krista Phillips ('24) was crowned Miss Illinois County Fair Queen, a moment she described as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and a powerful reflection of her journey as both a student and competitor. “I was in disbelief that my name was called,” Phillips said. “I kept thinking, I really did it. My dreams were fulfilled, prayers answered, and waves of gratitude kept pouring over me.”

Lincoln Trail College has announced the cast for its spring production of Disney’s Newsies, the Tony Award-winning musical based on the 1992 Disney film. Performances will take place April 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m., with matinees April 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. in the Zwermann Arts Center Theater.

Olney Central College’s Massage Therapy Program is accepting appointments for Spring clinicals. The clinics are open to the public and will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 21, March 20, April 11 and April 24 at the West Richland Center in Noble. The cost for a relaxing massage is $45 for an hour and $30 for half an hour. A 20-minute chair massage is $20.

The Learning Commons at Lincoln Trail College was filled with creativity and community earlier this month as the college hosted its annual Children’s Art Show, featuring artwork from students across the region. The exhibit included 103 pieces of art created by students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade. Participating schools were Hutsonville Junior High, New Hebron Christian School, Nuttall Middle School, Oblong Grade School and Junior High, and Palestine Grade School and Junior High.

High school musicians from across the region will gather at Lincoln Trail College on Feb. 10 for the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Jazz Festival, a one-day immersive event designed to give students a collegiate-style jazz experience.