Concordia alums graduating from high school this spring are leading their classes in academic achievement and acknowledging a foundation started at the K-8th school on Glen Ave.

“Concordia taught me all the habits you need to be successful in high school, like note taking, using a daily planner, time management, good grammar, and how to write a well thought-out essay,” says Michael Hayashi, one of Richwood’s four valedictorians and 2007 Concordia graduate. “The teachers also give you ample academic background. You go into high school knowing what you need to know your freshman year. I was more than comfortable in the honors classes.”

Hayashi, Sam Hicok, and Aaron Shular, all Concordia grads, are Illinois State Scholars and graduates in the top 10 percent of their Richwoods class. Hicok and Hayashi were also named Sterling Merit Scholars. Concordia grads have excelled out of state, too. Dane Anderson, CLS class of 2007, is graduating as an Indiana Scholar Athlete from Zionsville, Ind., near Indianapolis.

“We are proud of all of our alumni graduates,” says Dr. Scott Russell, Concordia Executive Director. “We know they all worked hard and are moving into the world to make a difference.”