Colin Fisher, a junior at Antioch Community High School, was recognized as Student of the Month for April, according to an announcement on Apr. 1. Several teachers and staff shared their thoughts about Fisher’s contributions to the school and community.
The recognition highlights the importance of student leadership and engagement within Community High School District 117. Teachers described Fisher as a dedicated leader involved in numerous activities and praised his positive impact on peers and staff.
Jamie D’Andrea said, “Colin Fisher is a super cool human being! He is an active member of the National English Honor Society, and he’s always offering suggestions for activities our group can do to support our student body’s love of reading… He’s a human being who gets along with everyone, student and staff alike, and he commits himself wholeheartedly to those things he believes in, which is inspirational. Colin is the epitome of what we want in our Sequoits, and he makes our school and our community better simply by being in it.” Allison Herman added that she appreciates his desire to give back: “He does so much around this school and the community. I have enjoyed working with him this year during student council as well.”
Other faculty echoed these sentiments. Kelly Taylor recounted a memorable moment: “One time, Colin hid in my office and shot me with a confetti cannon… Moreover, he is a stellar student and person! His presence in the building elevates ACHS every day.” Dr. Michael Berrie highlighted Fisher’s role in organizing events: “Colin has been a mover and a shaker since he showed up at ACHS…the one thing that truly makes him stand out is all that he did to make the Middle School Leadership Conference possible.” Audrey Nagel-Schoonmaker said Fisher devotes significant time to service activities such as volunteer coaching young volleyball players.
Community High School District 117 serves Lake County students from ninth through twelfth grade at Antioch Community High School and Lakes Community High School according to Illinois Report Card. The district enrolled 2,635 students during the 2019-2020 academic year according to Illinois Report Card. Demographically, it consists of approximately 78 percent White students, with Hispanic (12.1 percent), Asian (3.2 percent), Black (3.1 percent) populations represented according to Illinois Report Card.
District data show there are currently 178 teachers earning an average salary of $63,920 before pension contributions; women comprise just over half of faculty according to Illinois Report Card. In terms of attendance challenges, there were 121 chronically truant students—defined as missing five percent or more days without valid excuse—in the most recent reporting year; this represents about 4.6 percent compared with a statewide average chronic truancy rate of nearly ten percent according to Illinois Report Card.
Community High School District 117 reported spending $29,553 per pupil during fiscal year 2020 for total expenditures exceeding $77 million according to Illinois Report Card.
As Emily Parris put it regarding this month’s honoree: “He is more than just a high-achiever; he is a role model who inspires everyone around him to reach higher…he personifies the very definition of a leader.”
