At Newton Community High School, Alisson Stanley has always been more than just a student. She’s a thinker, a problem solver, an athlete, and a leader in her own quiet way. As an Illinois State Scholar, she represents the best of Jasper County Schools—not just for her academic excellence, but for the depth of character that has shaped her journey.

With a mind tuned to the intricacies of science and a heart set on making a difference, Alisson is charting a course toward chemical or biomedical engineering. Where she will land is yet to be determined—she’s waiting to hear back from a handful of top-tier institutions, including the University of Illinois, Purdue, and Northwestern. But regardless of where she enrolls, one thing is certain: she will take with her the lessons learned in Newton, both in and out of the classroom.

Alisson credits much of her passion for science to Ms. Baker, her chemistry and physics teacher, who has guided her through three years of challenging coursework. That deep exposure to chemistry fueled her curiosity, but it was more than just formulas and reactions—it was a foundation for the future.

“I kind of just want to make life easier for people,” Alisson says when asked about her aspirations. “With chemical engineering, I think there’s a way to make things more affordable and accessible for people who need them.” She’s not sure whether that will take her into the pharmaceutical industry or another sector, but the desire to use science as a tool for improving lives is what drives her.

Beyond academics, Alisson’s experiences in sports have shaped her in profound ways. A six-year volleyball player and former travel softball athlete, she understands teamwork at a level few can articulate. “You get to see a lot of different sides of people—their best, their worst. You learn how to deal with other people’s emotions, and that helps you work better with teams, in projects, and even in a future career.”

That team-first mentality has already come full circle—she now helps coach junior high volleyball, passing on the lessons her own coaches instilled in her. “They saw something in me and let me contribute in ways that played to my strengths. That’s something I want to do for others.”

When asked what makes Newton Community High School special, Alisson doesn’t hesitate. “Everyone here is really supportive. They encourage you to pursue what you’re passionate about. My volleyball coach, for example—I wasn’t the tallest player, but I learned how to read the other teams, how to adapt. That’s what they do here. They see potential and help you make the most of it.”

That adaptability will serve her well as she enters the world beyond Newton, where she’ll undoubtedly cross paths with students from large suburban and private schools, many with greater access to resources. But Alisson isn’t intimidated. “I’ve earned my place,” she says simply. “I’ve worked for this.”

That confidence isn’t misplaced. It’s been nurtured through years of dedication, through the example of her hardworking father, through the resilience of her siblings—one a therapist, the other serving in the U.S. Air Force—and through the culture of perseverance that runs deep in her small-town roots.

“In a small town, you have to figure things out. You don’t always have everything handed to you, so you find new ways to solve problems,” she says. It’s that problem-solving mindset—the very essence of an engineer—that will carry her forward.

Wherever she goes, Alisson Stanley will not just represent Newton Community High School; she will embody the values that make Jasper County Schools extraordinary. She is living proof that great things grow in small places, and that the best way to predict the future is to create it.