Published on November 6, 2026

On Thursday, Nov. 5, Lake Land College held its 2026 Non-traditional Student of the Year banquet. The annual event serves as an opportunity to celebrate outstanding students who have followed unconventional pathways to succeed in higher education.

During the banquet, all nominees for the Non-traditional Student of the Year honor were recognized for their remarkable leadership and stories of resilience in pursuit of an education. The ceremony also included a special address by guest speaker Jasmine Gast, the recipient of the 2025 Non-traditional Student of the Year award, who expressed her congratulations to the nominees and left them with inspiring words of encouragement.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Non-traditional Student of the Year award, voted on each year by a committee of staff and faculty to recognize the students who best represent strength, character and service while enrolled at Lake Land College. This year, the committee was pleased to present the 2026 Non-traditional Student of the Year award to two exceptional students, Jasinda LaFine of Effingham and Eric Stanley of Charleston.

LaFine was selected as a recipient for the 2026 Non-traditional Student of the Year award for displaying outstanding strength and dedication as a student at Lake Land College. After emancipating from her family at just 16 years old, she eventually enrolled in Lake Land’s Adult Education program to complete her GED and secure a better life for herself and her two children. During her time in the GED program, she emerged as a classroom leader and a source of support to those around her. Since completing her GED, LaFine has continued her education at Lake Land College and is now pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She has found a home at Lake Land College and has become an active member of campus life.

LaFine was nominated for the award by Adult Education Transition Coordinator Mariah White-Landrus. In the nomination form, White-Landrus said, “Among the many positive characteristics and attributes Jasinda possesses, I am most struck by her resilience. I am convinced that with her newfound confidence, she can do whatever she sets her mind to.”

Stanley received the honor of Non-traditional Student of Year for displaying exceptional strength and character as a student at Land College. After being away from school for 15 years, Stanley enrolled at Lake Land to take command of his future. A first-generation college student, he overcame initial self-doubt to quickly find a home at the College. He works on campus as a test proctor in the Student Success Center, where he consistently goes above and beyond in service of Lake Land staff and students alike. Stanley provides a friendly face to the students he crosses paths with and is a source of inspiration to fellow non-traditional students. Above all, Stanley has a gift for connecting with people and is always finding ways to brighten someone’s day.

Stanley was nominated by Director of Student Success Services Kim Hunter, Director of Marketing & Public Relations Kelly Allee, Coordinator for Student Development Mercury Bowen, Instructional Designer Jonathan Cook, Student Success Specialist Breanna Moore and Test Proctor Janet Meadows. In their joint nomination, Moore and Meadows shared that, “Eric shows up, no matter what, and does his best with a positive attitude. His level of dedication is admirable.”

As the recipients of the 2026 Non-traditional Student of the Year award, LaFine and Stanley stood out among this year’s record-setting 15 total nominees.

The 2026 Non-Traditional Student of the Year nominees are as follows:

JoAnn Ames

Ames is from Toledo and is a practical nursing student at Lake Land College. Ames is an active campus leader, serving on the executive committee of the National Society of Leadership and Success while also helping the Student Life office with major events such as Welcome Day. As a student, Ames displays initiative and is always first to support her peers, and she is often found studying with her classmates and helping everyone around her succeed.

Ames was nominated by Nursing Instructor Nichole Jones and Director of Student Life Lisa Shumard-Shelton, who said, “JoAnn’s leadership and care for others make her a valued member of the Lake Land College community. We appreciate her willingness to contribute and help others! She is certainly worth celebrating and investing in!”

Gabrielle Cormier

Cormier is from Effingham and is studying in Lake Land’s Associate Degree Nurse program. Cormier has thrived as a student in a demanding program, balancing her courses and clinical responsibilities while raising two children. She takes responsibility, adapts to challenges and always finds a way to move forward, even when the road is difficult. Her positive attitude and quiet strength make her a leader among her peers.

Cormier was nominated by TRIO SSS STEM Advisor Kendra Myers, who said, “Her resilience, dedication and quiet determination are qualities that deserve recognition. She may not realize how inspiring her journey is to others, but I believe she represents the strength and commitment of non-traditional students at Lake Land College.”

Allen Darling

Darling is from Greenup and is studying welding at Lake Land College. He balances his coursework with many additional responsibilities, including working a full-time job and operating his own waste removal company. Led by a strong work ethic, Darling displays impressive resilience in pursing his goals, and he always maintains a positive attitude no matter how busy his schedule is.

Darling was nominated for the Non-traditional Student of the Year award by Facilities Coordinator to Physical Plant Operations Kimberly Wellbaum, who said, “Allen works really hard to get all homework done and keep his grades up. He has a lot of potential to complete his degree and build the life for himself that he has dreamed of.”

Drew Deters

Deters is from Effingham and is majoring in business at Lake Land College. Deters has been incredibly persistent in his academic journey, overcoming multiple setbacks to pursue his degree. He balances his education with a full-time job and commitments to his family, always submitting high-quality work despite his busy schedule. He is a leader among his peers and consistently goes above and beyond to encourage his classmates.

Deters was nominated by Economics Instructor Katie Lotz, who said, “It is rare to have a student who treats their classes as a learning journey rather than something to be checked off a list. Teaching students like him is such a rewarding process.”

Darrius Frazier

Frazier is from Charleston and is an IT-Programming major at Lake Land College. When Frazier was growing up, his parents were told that higher education would never be an option for him, due to the challenge of classical autism. Since then, Frazier has overcome the odds to become a lifelong learner, and he is currently working on his third associate degree.

Frazier was nominated by Speech Communications/Broadcasting Instructor and Director of Broadcast Operations Greg Powers, who said, “Darrius takes his education seriously, and his character outshines most other college students. His volunteer efforts at Lake Land College and beyond are impactful on many throughout the community.”

Rebecca Johnston

Johnston is from Herrick and is studying in Lake Land College’s Diesel and Ag Power Technology program. Johnston balances her schoolwork with her responsibilities as a mother, and she has thrived as a student in a male-dominated industry. She is always willing to lend a hand to her classmates and often serves as a classroom leader, with her resourcefulness and experience setting her apart from her peers.

Johnston was nominated by Ag Power Technology Instructor Alex Kaufmann, who said, “Rebecca has been my best student in the group by far. No matter the topic, she is always listening and adding to the discussion. She has also helped several of the struggling students understand the topics.”

Frank Kurilo

Kurilo is from Saint Elmo and is studying in Lake Land College’s Associate Degree Nurse program. A husband and father of two, Kurilo works long hours to support his family while also pursuing his goals to become a nurse. He is engaged in the classroom and leads by example, and he’s managed to thrive as a student while remaining a heavily involved father and caring for his family with unwavering devotion.

Kurilo was nominated by Perkins Specialist Joy Kaurin, who said, “Frank is always willing to help someone out. He looks forward to making a difference for his community as a nurse in an area hospital after he completes his program.”

Jeri Mattox

Mattox is from Mattoon and is studying in Lake Land College’s Practical Nursing program. Jeri is an exceptional student and a hard-working mother. As a part of the TRIO program at Lake Land College, she is a proud advocate of student support. Jeri pursues her goals with unwavering determination and resilience, demonstrating a strong work ethic that is infectious to those around her.

Mattox was nominated by Director of TRIO programs Faisal Tariq, who said, “Jeri sets a great example not only for other TRIO students, but to the Lake Land community in how she approaches her academic and personal goals. When Jeri sets her mind to something, she will put forth an immense amount of passion and determination to accomplish that goal.”

Precious Obiora

Obiora is from Nigeria and is a student in Lake Land College’s Associate Degree Nurse – Track program. As an international student, Obiora has faced many personal challenges on her college journey with her family thousands of miles away. Obiora always finds a way to keep moving forward, taking on difficult situations and overcoming obstacles while always maintaining kindness toward others.

Obiora was nominated by Coordinator of International Studies Program Tomoko Jo, who said, “Beyond everything she has overcome, I would want the committee to know that Precious is simply a very kind and caring person. She has resilience, compassion and a quite strength that I believe will serve her well wherever the future takes her.”

Kristy O’Connell

O’Connell is from Casey and is studying in Lake Land College’s Associate Degree Nurse – Track program. O’Connell has overcome many unexpected obstacles in her path to her nursing career. Through every setback, she has shown incredible determination to keep moving forward, even when the path is different than what she imagined. With her strength and resilience, O’Connell is a positive influence and source of encouragement to those around her. She recently received notice of her acceptance into the College’s Associate Degree Nurse program for Fall 2027.

O’Connell was nominated by TRIO SSS STEM Advisor Kendra Myers, who said, “Kristy’s journey is a reminder that our past circumstances do not have to determine our future. I believe her personal growth, resilience and commitment to building a better future make her deserving of recognition.”

Baylee Rice

Rice is from Charleston and is studying in Lake Land College’s Medical Assistant program. After overcoming a severe battle with addiction, Rice enrolled at Lake Land to secure a better future for herself and her son. She is proud to share her story and serve as a positive influence for others facing similar struggles. As a student, she is highly responsible and motivated, and she is always the first to help those around her.

Rice was nominated by Emergency Services Program Director & Clinical Coordinator Jasmine Ballard, who said, “Baylee is a very sweet, kind and respected student, mother, coworker and friend. I am so proud of all her accomplishments and can’t wait to see where she is headed.”

Angel Romero

Romero is from Bethany and is majoring in sociology at Lake Land College, where he studies as an honors student. As a father of seven who has overcome many personal obstacles to pursue an education, Romero is dedicated to helping others access opportunity, and he is often found volunteering at a local food pantry. After graduating from Lake Land, he plans to work with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to help children throughout Illinois.

Romero was nominated by Health and Physical Education Instructor Madison Dailey and Sociology Instructor Katie Parish. In the nomination form, Dailey said, “Angel exemplifies the true spirit of service and academic excellence. He has a bright future ahead in the social work field.” Parish said that Romero, “uses his life experiences as a learning tool to do better for himself, his family and others.”

Deann St. Michael

St. Michael is from Mattoon and is studying in Lake Land College’s Associate Degree Nursing program. St. Michael began her nursing journey at Lake Land after nearly two decades away from school, taking on the rigorous coursework while also balancing her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Despite her busy schedule, St. Michael also joined Lake Land’s Student Government Association (SGA) to advocate for her fellow students and help make the College a better place.

St. Michael was nominated by both Director of Student Life Lisa Shumard-Shelton and Student Life Specialist Tim Stolz, who shared that, “Deann always has a smile on her face and is always upbeat and positive. For someone who must be exhausted considering her schedule, she never seems to let it get her down.”