Senior Anthony Huegen is the kind of student who seems to do it all. A four-sport athlete, valedictorian candidate, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusivity, he exemplifies the best of what Central has to offer. Through his participation in the Clinton County CEO program, Anthony has added a new title to his list: business owner.

Anthony’s journey with the CEO program began last year with shadow days, where he observed successful local businesses and gained inspiration for his own future ventures. “I’ve always been drawn to the idea of running my own business,” Anthony shares. “I grew up in a family of beekeepers and orchard growers, so entrepreneurship is something I’ve seen firsthand.”

Now in his senior year, Anthony is fully immersed in the CEO program, a collaborative effort among Clinton County schools designed to teach students the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. From early-morning meetings to business visits and speaker sessions, Anthony thrives on the structure and discipline the program requires. “You have to be there 10 minutes early,” he says with a smile. I nudge for details on this ritual. “It’s about professionalism—if you’re on time, you’re late.” Got it.

The program’s highlight is the opportunity for students to develop and launch their own businesses. For Anthony, this meant starting Adrenaline Sweets, a venture focused on freeze-dried candy. “Freeze-drying takes the moisture out, giving candy a completely new texture,” he explains. “A Skittle goes from chewy to crunchy, and it dissolves in your mouth. It’s something unique and trending right now.”

Anthony’s approach to Adrenaline Sweets combines creativity with practicality. He carefully calculates costs, energy use, and labor to maximize profitability. “It costs me about $2 to produce a bag, and I sell it for $6,” he says. “With a 200% markup, it’s both affordable for customers and sustainable for me.”

While Anthony’s business is in its early stages, the skills he’s gained are already leaving a lasting impression. “The CEO program pushes you out of your comfort zone,” he says. “I’ve learned to speak more confidently and think critically, whether it’s pitching ideas or managing operations.”

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Anthony is deeply involved in Central High’s academic and athletic programs. With a 4.23 weighted GPA, he’s excelling in advanced courses like calculus, dual-credit English, and physics—all while balancing a rigorous schedule of sports.

“I’m a four-sport athlete—football, basketball, baseball, and Unified Track,” Anthony says. His passion for athletics is matched by his leadership on the football field, where he served as a team captain and played both defensive end and offensive tackle. “This year’s football team was special,” he reflects. “We hosted an Elite 8 quarterfinal game for the first time in school history. The connection we had as a team was something else.”

Anthony’s involvement in Unified Track, a program that pairs IHSA athletes with Special Olympics athletes, is especially meaningful. Inspired by his older brother Alex, a Special Olympics global messenger, Anthony has become an ambassador for inclusion at Central. “Unified Track has shaped my values,” he says. “It’s about connecting with others and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.”

Looking ahead, Anthony plans to study aerospace engineering, with top schools like the University of Illinois and Stanford on his radar. “It’ll come down to scholarships and opportunities,” he says. “But wherever I go, I’ll take the lessons I’ve learned here with me.”

Anthony attributes much of his success to the supportive environment at Central. “The teachers here take the time to know you and help you succeed,” he says. “That one-on-one connection makes all the difference. And it’s not just teachers—students look out for each other, too. It’s a community.”

From academics to athletics, business to advocacy, Anthony Huegen embodies the spirit of Central Community High School. As he prepares to graduate, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, leadership, and kindness—an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when passion meets opportunity.