This week's Hub Award winner is Connor Macklin. Connor's teachers and Speech coaches rave about how helpful Connor is. He reaches out to see how he can help others, he's always positive, and he takes coaching/teaching well. We can't thank Connor enough for all he does to help make RTHS a better place!
Silver Service Volunteer Opportunity starting now or over the summer! Check out the flyer for more info.
⭐RTHS Honors January Rotary Student of the Month: Zachery Smith⭐
Rochelle Township High School is proud to recognize Zachery Smith, a junior at RTHS, as the January Rotary Student of the Month. Zachery exemplifies the Rotary ideals of service, leadership, and community involvement, making him a deserving recipient of this honor.
Throughout his three years at RTHS, Zachery has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service, earning an impressive 325 Silver Service Hours. This remarkable achievement reflects his dedication to helping others while balancing a full schedule of academic and extracurricular activities, including Marching Band, Madrigals, Student Council, and Interact.
Zachery has generously volunteered his time and talents to support a wide range of school and community events. His service includes working at the Rochelle Little League concession stand, assisting with school dances, participating in Make a Difference Day, helping with Thanksgiving turkey distribution, and supporting numerous Interact events. He has also volunteered as a Biology tutor for a classmate.
Those who work alongside Zachery consistently praise his character and work ethic. His church supervisor shared, “We are very thankful for Zachery’s help. He is responsible, respectful, and always quick to jump in wherever he’s needed. We really appreciate him.” Similarly, his supervisor at the Rochelle Little League concession stand stated, “Zach always steps up and takes initiative. He is polite, a self-starter, and rarely needs direction. Zach is a great asset.”
Zachery’s commitment to service extends beyond school and organized activities. He assists at his church by running the live feed and slideshow during services and is also a valued employee at Ralphie’s BBQ and Catering, where he brings the same strong work ethic and positive attitude.
RTHS congratulates Zachery Smith on being named the January Rotary Student of the Month and thanks him for his continued dedication to service and community involvement. We look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the future.
Rochelle Township High School is proud to recognize Zachery Smith, a junior at RTHS, as the January Rotary Student of the Month. Zachery exemplifies the Rotary ideals of service, leadership, and community involvement, making him a deserving recipient of this honor.
Throughout his three years at RTHS, Zachery has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service, earning an impressive 325 Silver Service Hours. This remarkable achievement reflects his dedication to helping others while balancing a full schedule of academic and extracurricular activities, including Marching Band, Madrigals, Student Council, and Interact.
Zachery has generously volunteered his time and talents to support a wide range of school and community events. His service includes working at the Rochelle Little League concession stand, assisting with school dances, participating in Make a Difference Day, helping with Thanksgiving turkey distribution, and supporting numerous Interact events. He has also volunteered as a Biology tutor for a classmate.
Those who work alongside Zachery consistently praise his character and work ethic. His church supervisor shared, “We are very thankful for Zachery’s help. He is responsible, respectful, and always quick to jump in wherever he’s needed. We really appreciate him.” Similarly, his supervisor at the Rochelle Little League concession stand stated, “Zach always steps up and takes initiative. He is polite, a self-starter, and rarely needs direction. Zach is a great asset.”
Zachery’s commitment to service extends beyond school and organized activities. He assists at his church by running the live feed and slideshow during services and is also a valued employee at Ralphie’s BBQ and Catering, where he brings the same strong work ethic and positive attitude.
RTHS congratulates Zachery Smith on being named the January Rotary Student of the Month and thanks him for his continued dedication to service and community involvement. We look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the future.
Click the link below for an important weather announcement from Rochelle Schools
Haga clic en el siguiente enlace para ver un importante anuncio sobre el tiempo de las Escuelas de Rochelle.
https://bit.ly/Jan23Closure
Haga clic en el siguiente enlace para ver un importante anuncio sobre el tiempo de las Escuelas de Rochelle.
https://bit.ly/Jan23Closure
Culvers in Rochelle is offering a 10% discount for Rochelle students and staff this semester when they show their school ID!
Thank you Culvers!!!
Thank you Culvers!!!
The annual American Legion Americanism Essay Contest is underway. This year's prompt is, "What are the Core American Values?" Cash prizes are available. See Mrs. Harvey in the Counseling Center to pick up a packet or for more information. Deadline to turn in the essay is February 6th.
The National Center for Rural Health Professions is offering a summer camp opportunity for rural and underrepresented high school students. It is a three-day Day Camp being held in Rockford at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford campus from July 22-24. This is a FREE camp thanks to a grant from the Brubaker Foundation. *See the flyer for more info and to apply.
Congrats to this week's Hub Award winner, Alayna Smardo. Whatever she may be doing, Alayna does it with a positive attitude and a good work ethic. She works well with others and frequently presents creative ideas with her group projects. She's truly a positive influence on those around her, and she helps make RTHS a better place. Thank you, Alayna!
Kishwaukee College will be hosting Visit Day on President’s Day, Monday, February 16. This annual event provides an excellent opportunity for prospective students and their families to learn more about our academic programs and student support services.
During the event, guests will learn about:
~Transfer 101 and Next Steps
~Career and Technical Education Programs
~Health Science Programs
~Scholarships and Financial Aid
~Student Involvement and Athletics
Visit Day will also include campus tours, an information fair, FAFSA assistance, and guidance on how to get started at Kish.
*See the flyer with additional details and a QR code for registration.*
During the event, guests will learn about:
~Transfer 101 and Next Steps
~Career and Technical Education Programs
~Health Science Programs
~Scholarships and Financial Aid
~Student Involvement and Athletics
Visit Day will also include campus tours, an information fair, FAFSA assistance, and guidance on how to get started at Kish.
*See the flyer with additional details and a QR code for registration.*
This past Sunday and Monday, RTHS Choir students Brooklyn Hull, Hiliana Martinez, and Vivian Worthington spent two incredible days making music alongside 900 choral students from across the Midwest at the 2026 Dorian Festival at Luther College.
The experience culminated in the Dorian Festival Grand Concert, where they had the honor of performing with Luther College’s renowned Nordic Choir. They did an outstanding job representing RTHS at this music-filled festival.
Way to go, Hubs! 💜🤍
The RTHS speech team finished in 2nd place at the I-8 Conference Meet this past Saturday. The Hubs had several 2nd place finishers: Alayna Smardo in Oratory, Daphne Wise in Humorous Interpretation, Connor Macklin in both Impromptu and Extemp Speaking, and Brooklyn Hull & Derek Swartz in Dramatic Duet Acting. The team also had TWO CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS: Derek Swartz in Humorous Interpretation and Matilda Gonser in Radio Speaking.
Speaker of the week is Connor Macklin.
Speaker of the week is Connor Macklin.
Seniors! Mark your calendars….April 10th is the final deadline to submit Silver Service hours to earn your Silver Cord to wear at graduation. Keep volunteering and entering those hours into SchooLinks. We’re proud of you! 🙌
The National Center for Rural Health Professions' Rural Health Careers Camp is being held again in 2026. This is the 21st year of offering this camp to rural high school students located in northwest IL!
This year's camp will be held again at Northern Illinois University. The camp is scheduled to run from Monday, June 29, 2026 - Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The cost of this year's camp is $150.00.
Attached is a flyer with a QR code to the camp's webpage with application link. Registration is limited to 50 students, so be sure to register early!
https://ncrhp.uic.edu/programs/experiences/rural-health-careers-camp/
The annual American Legion Americanism Essay Contest is underway. This year's prompt is, "What are the Core American Values?" Cash prizes are available. See Mrs. Harvey in the Counseling Center to pick up a packet or for more information. Deadline to turn in the essay is February 6th.
📣 DO YOU KNOW A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WHO WILL BE ENTERING AN ENGINEERING PROGRAM NEXT FALL?? 📣
Region 3 of the Engineering Society of Illinois, Rock River Area, is now accepting applications for the annual scholarship(s) given by the organization to the most qualified student(s) entering the field of engineering!
This scholarship is for high school seniors who will be enrolling in an accredited engineering program in the fall of 2026.
Please follow the attached link for additional details and full application packet.
Applications are due Friday, January 30, 2026.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ln0WlUa91ETBgT9jFPI8OcVp303MqWAe/view?usp=sharing
Region 3 of the Engineering Society of Illinois, Rock River Area, is now accepting applications for the annual scholarship(s) given by the organization to the most qualified student(s) entering the field of engineering!
This scholarship is for high school seniors who will be enrolling in an accredited engineering program in the fall of 2026.
Please follow the attached link for additional details and full application packet.
Applications are due Friday, January 30, 2026.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ln0WlUa91ETBgT9jFPI8OcVp303MqWAe/view?usp=sharing
Welcome to January!! A month to start new goals for the year! Hope everyone is enjoying their break. Below are some key dates to look out for in January. Scan the QR code for the athletic schedule.
https://schools.snap.app/rochelletownshiphs
https://schools.snap.app/rochelletownshiphs
Looking to earn Silver Service Hours? Don’t miss this great opportunity! Volunteers are needed to help with admissions at the REC Center in Rochelle on Saturdays from 2–6 p.m. during January and February. See the flyer for more details and scan the QR code to sign up. Link to sign up: https://forms.gle/YVmXKS9sQYy28HF56
Big news! The Horatio Alger Association’s Undergraduate Scholarship application is officially open.
If you’re a high school junior, senior, or current college student who has worked hard to rise above life's challenges, this could be the opportunity to shape your future. The Horatio Alger Association lifts up students who have faced adversity through financial assistance and a nationwide network of encouragement, mentorship, and resources.
Explore scholarship opportunities and learn how to apply at https://horatioalger.org/scho.../undergraduate-scholarships/
If you’re a high school junior, senior, or current college student who has worked hard to rise above life's challenges, this could be the opportunity to shape your future. The Horatio Alger Association lifts up students who have faced adversity through financial assistance and a nationwide network of encouragement, mentorship, and resources.
Explore scholarship opportunities and learn how to apply at https://horatioalger.org/scho.../undergraduate-scholarships/
Rochelle Township High School is proud to recognize Ashley Villanueva as the Rotary Student of the Month for November. A dedicated senior known for her kindness, leadership, and commitment to service, Ashley has accumulated an outstanding 563 Silver Service Volunteer Hours over her four years at RTHS.
Ashley’s volunteer work spans a wide range of community events and school programs. She has contributed her time to Make a Difference Day, assisted at the Rochelle Public Library, volunteered at the annual Lenten Fish Fry, and devoted more than 200 hours to the HUB Project. Ashley has also served as a Cross Country Manager, supported Fiesta Hispana, babysat for local families, and helped out in the Counseling Center as a Counseling Center Monitor during her study hall.
In addition to her impressive volunteer work, Ashley is an active leader within the school community. She participates in Madrigals, Cultural Reform Alliance, Student Council, and the Midnight Voices vocal jazz group. She also serves as the President of Educators Rising where she leads meetings and helps with the running of the club.
RTHS extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ashley for her accomplishments and thanks her for the countless ways she has given back to both the school and the Rochelle community. Her dedication to service truly embodies the spirit of the Rotary Club’s motto: Service Above Self. Congratulations, Ashley!
Ashley’s volunteer work spans a wide range of community events and school programs. She has contributed her time to Make a Difference Day, assisted at the Rochelle Public Library, volunteered at the annual Lenten Fish Fry, and devoted more than 200 hours to the HUB Project. Ashley has also served as a Cross Country Manager, supported Fiesta Hispana, babysat for local families, and helped out in the Counseling Center as a Counseling Center Monitor during her study hall.
In addition to her impressive volunteer work, Ashley is an active leader within the school community. She participates in Madrigals, Cultural Reform Alliance, Student Council, and the Midnight Voices vocal jazz group. She also serves as the President of Educators Rising where she leads meetings and helps with the running of the club.
RTHS extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ashley for her accomplishments and thanks her for the countless ways she has given back to both the school and the Rochelle community. Her dedication to service truly embodies the spirit of the Rotary Club’s motto: Service Above Self. Congratulations, Ashley!
