Caydon Goode has always known the power of education, but it wasn’t until recently that he realized just how much of an impact he could have by stepping into the role of a teacher himself. As an Illinois State Scholar, Caydon is recognized for his academic excellence—a testament to years of hard work, discipline, and an unrelenting drive to make a difference. But beyond the classroom, his vision extends far beyond personal achievement. He wants to serve his community, and he’s ready to do it through education.

“I’ve always worked hard in school,” Caydon says with a quiet confidence. “This recognition as a State Scholar feels like validation that all the effort has been worth it.” But for Caydon, the award is more than an accolade—it’s a foundation for what comes next.

Next fall, he’ll be attending Eastern Illinois University to study elementary education, a decision he made with careful thought and a deep sense of purpose. “Right now, we need good teachers,” he explains. “There’s a shortage, and I want to be part of the solution.”

His passion for teaching was shaped by the very place he grew up. “I’ve had great teachers all my life, right here in Jasper County,” he says. The same educators who guided him through his early years are the ones who have inspired him to follow in their footsteps. His teachers were more than just instructors—they were mentors, supporters, and role models, and he hopes to provide that same experience for future students.

For Caydon, his success in school wasn’t just about academic aptitude—it was about perseverance. Maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA wasn’t easy, but it was a goal he set for himself early on, knowing it would open doors in the future. “It was all about consistency,” he says. “Staying committed, staying focused.”

But while Caydon excels in the classroom, he’s also made an impact in leadership roles outside of it. As student council president, he’s had the opportunity to shape the experiences of his classmates, planning events, organizing initiatives, and learning the art of leadership firsthand. “It’s given me the ability to communicate, to listen, and to advocate for others,” he explains.

His involvement doesn’t stop there. From his work with the History Club and Science Club to his role in the marching band and concert band, Caydon has woven himself into the fabric of his school community. One of his proudest contributions is his participation in the READ program (Reading Excites All Dreams), where high school students visit local elementary schools to read to younger children and give them books of their own. “Seeing the excitement on their faces—it’s something special,” he says.

Even as he prepares for college, Caydon already knows his long-term plan—he wants to come back. “Ten years from now, I don’t just want to remember Jasper County—I want to still be here, making a difference.” His goal is to return to the district that raised him and teach at the elementary school, ensuring that the next generation of students receives the same encouragement and support he did.

Caydon acknowledges that, as a male elementary educator, he’ll be in the minority. But that only strengthens his resolve. “I had amazing teachers growing up, but not a lot of male teachers in the lower grades. I think having that representation matters,” he says. “It gives kids a different perspective, a different kind of role model.”

His belief in the power of education extends to his own graduating class as well. As student body president, he will have the opportunity to address his peers one final time at commencement. His message? A simple shift in perspective that has shaped his own outlook on life: “Don’t say ‘I have to.’ Say ‘I get to.’”

“To say you ‘have to’ do something makes it sound like a burden,” he explains. “But if you say ‘I get to,’ it changes everything. I don’t have to go to school—I get to go to school. I don’t have to study—I get to learn. That small shift in thinking makes all the difference.”

Caydon embodies the spirit of Jasper County—a community that supports its own and nurtures those who return to give back. His journey isn’t just one of academic success; it’s a story of gratitude, leadership, and a commitment to paying it forward. And as he steps into his future, one thing is certain: the students of Jasper County will be lucky to have him.