JJC Welcomes Second Cohort to Crawford Honors College

Joliet Junior College (JJC) welcomed 28 students into the second cohort of the Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Honors College (CHC), continuing an ambitious vision to create a rigorous academic experience that challenges high-achieving students, fosters leadership and positions JJC as a destination for exceptional learners.

When the Crawford Honors College welcomed its inaugural cohort in 2025, that vision was just beginning to take shape. Now, the fall 2026 class enters an honors community that has continued to evolve through strengthened academics, student mentorship and lessons learned from its inaugural year.

Representing 15 hometowns across the region and entering with an average GPA of 4.45, the new cohort will build on the foundation established by the Honors College's first students while helping shape its next chapter.

• Sm Mohsin (Mohsin) Adil, Romeoville High School, Romeoville
• Adam Avizonis, Lockport Township High School, Homer Glen
• Brynn Bogda, Lincoln-Way West High School, Manhattan
• Thomas (Tommy) Boguslawski, Lockport
• Madeleine (Maddie) Brunker, Plainfield
• Atreyu Collins-Davis, Minooka Community High School, Shorewood
• Holli Coughlen, Minooka Community High School, Shorewood
• Megan Dahlin, Lincoln-Way West High School, New Lenox
• Austin Dietz, Wilmington High School, Wilmington
• Gisele Flores, Plainfield South High School, Plainfield
• Benjamin (Ben) Forbes, Lockport Township High School, Crest Hill
• Tanner Gehris, Reed-Custer High School, Braidwood
• Evan (Anneke) Gutmann, Plainfield High School - Central Campus, Crest Hill
• Irewole (Emmanuel) Jimoh, Joliet West High School, Joliet
• Lorelai Johnson, Joliet
• David Klein, Nazareth Academy, Justice
• Alexander (Xander) Kott, Morris Community High School, Morris
• Alani Lagunas, Lockport Township High School, Lockport
• Madeline McCarroll, Joliet West High School, Joliet
• Dane Noffsinger, Coal City High School, Morris
• Monica (Logan) O'Donnell, Wilmington High School, Wilmington
• Mehmdi Rafacz-Munzell, Lincoln-Way Central High School, Mokena
• Abigail (Abi) Schreiner, Joliet Central High School, Joliet
• James Sciaccotta, Hinsdale South High School, Darien
• Tristan Smith, Lockport Township High School, Lockport
• Aron Souvannasot, Minooka Community High School, Joliet
• Lucas Streeter, Lockport Township High School, Homer Glen
• Ella Thomson, Lincoln-Way Central High School, New Lenox

The continued growth of the Crawford Honors College also comes with new leadership. Jailen Bey has joined as the new CHC manager, focusing on recruitment, student support and partnerships that help students succeed from enrollment through transfer.

Drawing on experience in student recruitment and workforce development, Bey is working to strengthen connections with high schools throughout District 525 while exploring new peer and alumni mentorship opportunities and partnerships with career services and other campus resources.

"Our students operate at a very high level," Bey said. "We want to ensure they have access to the support, opportunities and connections they need to reach their goals."

The fall 2026 cohort enters the Honors College at an important point in its development, with expanded academic opportunities, a growing culture of mentorship and an increased focus on preparing students for their next steps beyond JJC.

As they begin their own honors experience, these 28 students will build on the foundation of the inaugural class while leaving their own mark on the future of Crawford Honors College.

About the Crawford Honors College at JJC

The Crawford Honors College is designed to cultivate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and leadership among high-achieving students. Admission to the program is highly competitive, requiring a minimum 3.8 GPA, top 10% class ranking, strong standardized test scores, demonstrated leadership and a compelling application essay. Students must commit to full-time enrollment and complete a rigorous curriculum that includes 15-21 credit hours of honors coursework, a capstone project and leadership experience. Students will complete their work in a dedicated, newly created 3,000-square-foot space within the JJC Library made possible by the Crawfords' support.