By Gianna Njau
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Eighteen students from Peoria are heading to high school after graduating from the 2026 WINNING Summer School Program through Elite Community Outreach at Riverside Community Church Thursday morning.
For these students, graduating meant more than earning a promotion to high school. The four-and-a-half-week program helped them improve academically while building work experience and life skills that can last far beyond the classroom.
Elite Community Outreach CEO Carl Cannon said Peoria Public Schools approved investing about $30,000 in the program. While some school board members did not approve the funding, Cannon said the results speak for themselves.
He called the program a life-changing opportunity and, in some cases, a last chance to help young people before they head down the wrong path.
The graduation ceremony also featured Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jerry Bell as the keynote speaker.
“You should have seen this room that was full today and the applause that these parents gave us today because their child, their children are different today,” Cannon said.
Students from 11 different schools spent the program strengthening their academic skills while holding jobs, earning money, and learning life skills. Terence Ward was among the 18 students who graduated from the program.
“You should definitely do it, and it doesn’t take up your whole summer, so you still have fun, you get paid one side of the summer, and the other half of the summer you have fun,” Ward said.
Terence said he plans to attend Manual High School.
Cannon said organizers are already looking ahead, with plans to expand opportunities by launching a flag football program for boys and girls ages 12 to 15. Cannon said teenagers who would like to try can call 309-229-1793.
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