Adams County CEO program announces 20 members from Class of 2025

ADAMS COUNTY, Ill. — The Adams County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program’s Class of 2025 has 20 high school seniors from five Adams County schools: Liberty High School, Payson Seymour High School, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Quincy High School, and Unity High School.

It’s the largest class in the five-year history of the Adams County CEO program.

This year’s class is touring local businesses, welcoming speakers and participating in team-building activities. Students launched their first official business, the CEO Badge Business, and sold the badge marketing opportunity to Hilbing Autobody. They are participating in a $1 to $100 Challenge where they have 21 days to turn $1 into $100 without debt.

Adams County businesses and people interested in offering tours, speaking to the class or becoming an investor should contact facilitator Curtis Sethaler at facilitator@adamscountyceo.com.

Adams County CEO, a year-long program developed by the Midland Institute for high school seniors, is designed to utilize partnerships that provide an overview of business development and processes. The local business community partners with Adams County high schools to create project-based experiences for students by providing funding, expertise, meeting space, business tours and one-on-one mentoring.

Adams County CEO helps retain young people because, in addition to teaching entrepreneurship skills, the program opens their eyes to the opportunities in their backyards by connecting them with local businesses and mentors.

A board of directors comprised of area business, community and educational leaders works in partnership with the facilitator. Businesses, organizations and people from the community called investors provide financial support for the program. There is no cost to CEO students or schools.

Students from all Adams County high schools are encouraged to apply each year.

Selected for the class were:

• Anna Fenton, Quincy Notre Dame High School
• Kendall Gorder, Quincy High School
• Isaac Schuetz, Quincy High School
• Gabe Boll, Quincy Notre Dame High School
• Dalton Phillips, Payson Seymour High School
• Daniel Strudwick, Quincy Notre Dame High School
• Ashley Walbring, Quincy High School
• Ashlyn Peters, Quincy Notre Dame High School
• Adrianna Cortese, Quincy Senior High School
• Ella Crim, Payson Seymour High School
• Caeden Johannessen, Quincy High School
• Bradyn Little, Quincy High School
• Joseph Radel, Quincy Notre Dame High School
• Luke Schuette, Liberty High School
• Blake Schwartz, Payson Seymour High School
• Abram Wiewel, Quincy Notre Dame High School
• Adrian McCloy, Quincy High School
• Isabelle Nichols, Unity High School
• Delyla Pratt, Unity High School
• Miles Moulton, Unity High School