Plainfield East High School senior Alice Rodney has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarship honors.
Rodney is among just 1,230 semifinalists selected from more than 107,000 applicants nationwide, placing her in the top 1.5 percent of students recognized for outstanding leadership, academics, and community service.
“I applied because I wanted to challenge myself and use this as an opportunity,” Rodney said. “When I found out, I felt really happy and surprised. It makes me want to keep working hard and keep learning.”
She believes her dedication helped her stand out in the competitive process. “I think I got it because I care about what I do and try my best,” she said.
At PEHS, Rodney has enjoyed being part of the school community and participating in clubs that helped her explore her interests.
After graduation, she plans to study bioengineering and work in healthcare.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program honors exceptional high school students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive difference.
Rodney is among just 1,230 semifinalists selected from more than 107,000 applicants nationwide, placing her in the top 1.5 percent of students recognized for outstanding leadership, academics, and community service.
“I applied because I wanted to challenge myself and use this as an opportunity,” Rodney said. “When I found out, I felt really happy and surprised. It makes me want to keep working hard and keep learning.”
She believes her dedication helped her stand out in the competitive process. “I think I got it because I care about what I do and try my best,” she said.
At PEHS, Rodney has enjoyed being part of the school community and participating in clubs that helped her explore her interests.
After graduation, she plans to study bioengineering and work in healthcare.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program honors exceptional high school students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive difference.
Plainfield East High School students in the INCubator program participated in Mentor Match Day on Monday, October 6, 2025, kicking off an exciting year of innovation and collaboration.
The event paired student business teams with local professionals who will guide and support them as they develop their startup ideas throughout the year.
This year’s 30 entrepreneurship students at PEHS are partnered with eight mentors, including a retired PEHS teacher and division chair, PEHS alumni, District 202 parents, and business professionals eager to share their expertise. Three mentors are returning for another year to continue inspiring future entrepreneurs.
“I have an outstanding group of students eager to jump in and create their start-ups,” said PEHS teacher Angelina Haney. “They come to class passionate and excited to get to work. My students are looking forward to creating new businesses and products, improving their public speaking, and to talking to people who are excited to listen.”
With guidance from their mentors, PEHS students are ready to turn their ideas into reality, and the school community is eager to see what innovative projects emerge from these partnerships.
The event paired student business teams with local professionals who will guide and support them as they develop their startup ideas throughout the year.
This year’s 30 entrepreneurship students at PEHS are partnered with eight mentors, including a retired PEHS teacher and division chair, PEHS alumni, District 202 parents, and business professionals eager to share their expertise. Three mentors are returning for another year to continue inspiring future entrepreneurs.
“I have an outstanding group of students eager to jump in and create their start-ups,” said PEHS teacher Angelina Haney. “They come to class passionate and excited to get to work. My students are looking forward to creating new businesses and products, improving their public speaking, and to talking to people who are excited to listen.”
With guidance from their mentors, PEHS students are ready to turn their ideas into reality, and the school community is eager to see what innovative projects emerge from these partnerships.
Plainfield East High School hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Fair on Saturday, October 4.
The event, organized by the Latin-American Student Organization (LASO) and the Spanish Honor Society (SHS), featured delicious food, local vendors, and a vibrant Ballet Folklórico performance.
Dozens of student volunteers from LASO and SHS helped make the fair a success, raising more than $1,000 to fund scholarships for outstanding student club leaders.
“Being part of the Hispanic Heritage Fair was such a meaningful experience,” said PEHS senior Aliana Lopez-Gomez. “It was amazing to help bring our community together through the celebration of Hispanic culture. It reminded me how powerful it can be when people come together to celebrate diversity.”
“The Hispanic Heritage Fair would not be possible without the hard work and advocacy of our students,” said PEHS teacher Kady Fairfield Meneses. “Every year, I am so proud of the leadership skills that our students develop throughout months of planning. This event reinforces that they have a voice and that their voice matters.”
The event, organized by the Latin-American Student Organization (LASO) and the Spanish Honor Society (SHS), featured delicious food, local vendors, and a vibrant Ballet Folklórico performance.
Dozens of student volunteers from LASO and SHS helped make the fair a success, raising more than $1,000 to fund scholarships for outstanding student club leaders.
“Being part of the Hispanic Heritage Fair was such a meaningful experience,” said PEHS senior Aliana Lopez-Gomez. “It was amazing to help bring our community together through the celebration of Hispanic culture. It reminded me how powerful it can be when people come together to celebrate diversity.”
“The Hispanic Heritage Fair would not be possible without the hard work and advocacy of our students,” said PEHS teacher Kady Fairfield Meneses. “Every year, I am so proud of the leadership skills that our students develop throughout months of planning. This event reinforces that they have a voice and that their voice matters.”
Plainfield East High School students took steps to support mental health awareness on Friday, October 3, during all PE classes.
Members of the Bengal Athletic Leadership Council (BALC) led the walk, playing upbeat music, handing out green ribbons, the international symbol of mental health awareness, and sharing key facts about mental health.
Among the student leaders was PEHS senior Annabelle Batinick, a member of BALC. “The mental health walk is important to me because it raises awareness about mental health issues and shows support for people who are struggling,” Batinick said. “It also fosters a sense of community and encourages open conversations about mental health.”
Students rounded out the event by writing uplifting messages and sharing resources to spread positivity and support.
Members of the Bengal Athletic Leadership Council (BALC) led the walk, playing upbeat music, handing out green ribbons, the international symbol of mental health awareness, and sharing key facts about mental health.
Among the student leaders was PEHS senior Annabelle Batinick, a member of BALC. “The mental health walk is important to me because it raises awareness about mental health issues and shows support for people who are struggling,” Batinick said. “It also fosters a sense of community and encourages open conversations about mental health.”
Students rounded out the event by writing uplifting messages and sharing resources to spread positivity and support.
What a day! The 73rd Plainfield Community Homecoming Parade filled downtown with music, school spirit, and community pride this past weekend!
This year’s theme, “Literary Legends – Celebrating Famous Characters from the Last 100 Years,” honored the Plainfield Area Public Library’s centennial. Leading the parade was Grand Marshal Mindy Jackson, the library’s School Services Librarian, who has spent decades inspiring a love of reading in District 202 students. 📚✨
A wonderful tradition for decades, the parade once again showcased the energy, talent, and pride of our schools and community.
This year’s theme, “Literary Legends – Celebrating Famous Characters from the Last 100 Years,” honored the Plainfield Area Public Library’s centennial. Leading the parade was Grand Marshal Mindy Jackson, the library’s School Services Librarian, who has spent decades inspiring a love of reading in District 202 students. 📚✨
A wonderful tradition for decades, the parade once again showcased the energy, talent, and pride of our schools and community.
🎉 Save the date! 🎉
Plainfield East High School invites you to the 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Fair from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, in the PEHS field house.
✨ Enjoy an afternoon filled with music, performances, food, craft vendors, and activities for the whole family!
🎟️ Tickets are just $5 (cash at the door), with all proceeds supporting senior scholarships.
Hosted by the Latin-American Student Organization and Spanish Honor Society.
Don’t miss this celebration of culture, community, and tradition!
Plainfield East High School invites you to the 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Fair from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, in the PEHS field house.
✨ Enjoy an afternoon filled with music, performances, food, craft vendors, and activities for the whole family!
🎟️ Tickets are just $5 (cash at the door), with all proceeds supporting senior scholarships.
Hosted by the Latin-American Student Organization and Spanish Honor Society.
Don’t miss this celebration of culture, community, and tradition!
Tru-Green will be spraying for weeds on Monday, September 15 across the district.
Flags at all district buildings will fly at half-staff today in honor of Patriot Day. #202proud
For Plainfield East High School art teacher Lizzy Pankau, summer wasn’t about slowing down, it was about creating, exploring, and learning.
Pankau was one of 22 District 202 educators awarded a 2025 Professional Development Grant from the Plainfield School District 202 Foundation for Excellence.
Pankau used her grant to attend the Art Educators Forum at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. While there, she participated in hands-on workshops led by SCAD professors, explored the historic downtown and campus museum, and even stayed in the dorms.
“It was such a great experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and refreshed my perspective as an art educator,” Pankau said. “I was able to connect and collaborate with peers from across the country and around the world, including Jamaica, China, and England.”
Pankau said she is grateful for the opportunity and excited to bring new ideas back to her classroom.
Pankau was one of 22 District 202 educators awarded a 2025 Professional Development Grant from the Plainfield School District 202 Foundation for Excellence.
Pankau used her grant to attend the Art Educators Forum at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. While there, she participated in hands-on workshops led by SCAD professors, explored the historic downtown and campus museum, and even stayed in the dorms.
“It was such a great experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and refreshed my perspective as an art educator,” Pankau said. “I was able to connect and collaborate with peers from across the country and around the world, including Jamaica, China, and England.”
Pankau said she is grateful for the opportunity and excited to bring new ideas back to her classroom.
Enjoy your holiday! District offices and schools are closed today. #202proud
Check out this week's Education Partners newsletter: https://psd202.edurooms.com/engage/education-partners/newsletters/education-partners-for-08-29-2025
Flags at all District 202 buildings will fly at half-staff through sunset Sunday out of respect for the victims of the school shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
What a beautiful sunrise on the first day of school. Welcome back, students!
What an incredible week at the Plainfield East High School Art Department Summer Art Studio.
Held during the last week of June, the camp welcomed over 180 young artists (ages 4–13) who amazed the staff with their creativity using acrylic paint, clay, colored pencils, pastels, watercolor, papier-mâché, and more.
A heartfelt thank you to the over 30 amazing volunteers from the National Art Honor Society and National Honor Society who helped make the camp a success.
Proceeds from the camp supported the PEHS NAHS Scholarship, helping the school invest in the next generation of artists.
“Thank you for all the support for our growing program and helping us fund scholarships for future NAHS students,” said PEHS teacher Emily Tonon.
We’re already counting down to next summer!
To view more pictures from the 2025 camp, visit the District's Facebook page.
Held during the last week of June, the camp welcomed over 180 young artists (ages 4–13) who amazed the staff with their creativity using acrylic paint, clay, colored pencils, pastels, watercolor, papier-mâché, and more.
A heartfelt thank you to the over 30 amazing volunteers from the National Art Honor Society and National Honor Society who helped make the camp a success.
Proceeds from the camp supported the PEHS NAHS Scholarship, helping the school invest in the next generation of artists.
“Thank you for all the support for our growing program and helping us fund scholarships for future NAHS students,” said PEHS teacher Emily Tonon.
We’re already counting down to next summer!
To view more pictures from the 2025 camp, visit the District's Facebook page.
Tru Green will be spraying weeds at all District 202 buildings on Tuesday, July 1, Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3.
Tonight's Jazz Band Camp public concert will be held inside the main gymnasium at Plainfield High School-Central Campus due to the predicted hot temperatures. The free concert begins at 6 p.m. #202proud
🎼You're invited to a night of incredible live jazz!🎼
Join us for the District 202 Summer Jazz Camp Concert at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, in the main gymnasium at Plainfield High School-Central Campus. This free, family-friendly event will feature performances by nearly 70 talented middle and high school students from across the district.🎺
Under the direction of Ryan Kazda, PHS-CC band director and Dan Schmitt, John F. Kennedy Middle School band director, students have spent the past two weeks learning the art of jazz, from improvisation to performing in styles like swing, funk, Latin, and pop.🎷
Come out, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy an evening of great music while supporting these amazing young musicians. #202proud
Congratulations to Plainfield East High School assistant athletic director Anthony Waznonis for earning his Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) Designation.
This prestigious distinction through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) reflects Waznonis’ exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership in interscholastic athletic administration.
“Earning the CAA certificate wasn't about the title, it was an opportunity for me to grow in knowledge so I can better serve our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire PEHS community,” Waznonis said.
“It has helped me to lead through knowledge and serve in my role to the best of my abilities."
Earning this certification required a comprehensive evaluation of his education, experience, and professional contributions, culminating in a rigorous written exam.
His commitment places him among an elite group of athletic administrators nationwide.
Please join us in congratulating Nidhruv Murali, a junior at Plainfield East High School, for qualifying for the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions (NIETOC), one of the most prestigious Speech competitions in the country.
Held from May 16-18 in Kansas City, Missouri, NIETOC brings together top student speakers from across the nation.
Murali competed in Original Oratory, delivering a powerful and persuasive speech of his own creation. He stood out among 225 talented speakers from all over the United States.
"I joined speech my freshman year and I can honestly say it's been the most transformative experience I've had in high school,” Murali said.
“Speech team has helped me so much with public speaking, meeting interesting people, and most importantly, sharing my personal experiences and thoughts with others.”
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
