For many, graduation is simply a ceremony—a handshake, a diploma, a moment before the next step. But for Trisha Monke and Nick Simmons, it’s something much bigger. It’s not just an ending; it’s a celebration of every student's journey, struggles, and triumphs. Together, they’ve redefined what graduation means at Mount Olive High School, ensuring that every student—whether college-bound, heading into the trades, or starting a new chapter in the workforce—feels honored for their achievements.

As Mount Olive’s Student Support Specialist, Trisha Monke works closely with students to navigate everything from academic goals to life skills. Meanwhile, Nick Simmons, a history teacher and senior class sponsor, has been a driving force in creating meaningful experiences for students. Together, they saw an opportunity to transform graduation into something more personal, more memorable, and more impactful.

“We wanted graduation to be more than just walking across a stage,” Mrs. Monke explains. “We wanted it to be a true celebration of every student's path, whether they’re heading to college, the military, a trade, or straight into the workforce.”

For the first time in Mount Olive history, Monke and Simmons introduced Senior Awards Night, a formal event recognizing students not just for their academic achievements but for their leadership, resilience, and personal growth.

Held in a beautifully arranged setting with round tables, tablecloths, and formal service, students were treated like honorees—something that had never been done before. “We wanted them to feel truly seen and valued,” Mr. Simmons says. “They weren’t just names on a diploma. They were individuals who had worked hard and deserved to be celebrated in a way that matched their efforts.”

The event featured personalized awards, from subject-specific honors in social studies, math, and art to leadership awards recognizing students who had made a lasting impact. Each recipient received a special pin to wear at graduation—creating a visible symbol of their accomplishments.

“It was amazing to see students stand tall when they received their awards,” Mrs. Monke recalls. “Parents were emotional, and community members were blown away. It was a moment of pride not just for the students, but for Mount Olive as a whole.”

Beyond the ceremony, Monke and Simmons have worked tirelessly to equip students with real-world skills. From guiding seniors through college applications and scholarship opportunities to teaching financial literacy, resume writing, and interview preparation, they ensure that students leave Mount Olive with confidence in their next steps.

Their efforts have already led to tangible successes. “Last year, three of our students wanted to attend SIUE, and through our work with them, two earned 60% tuition coverage, and one received a full-ride scholarship,” Mr. Simmons shares. “That wasn’t just luck. It was sitting down with them, walking them through applications, essays, and interviews—ensuring they had everything they needed to succeed.”

And for those not heading to college, Monke and Simmons made sure their paths were just as celebrated. One student who thrived in Mount Olive’s industrial arts program graduated with a job waiting for him—arranged through his teacher, Mike Wenzel. “For him, college wasn’t the path,” Mrs. Monke says. “But he walked across that stage with a job, a career, and a future. That’s just as worth celebrating as any scholarship.”

At a school like Mount Olive, where class sizes are small, connections run deep. The Class of 2023 was the smallest in nearly a century, with only 14 graduates—but Monke and Simmons see strength in that intimacy.

“In a bigger school, you might graduate with 500 other students and barely know half of them,” Mr. Simmons explains. “Here, we know every single graduate’s story. We know their struggles, their successes, their families. That makes graduation incredibly meaningful.”

And it’s not just for the seniors—younger students are watching. “When juniors and sophomores see the recognition, the pins, the awards—it motivates them,” Mrs. Monke says. “They start thinking, ‘I want that. I want to be honored like that.’ And that’s how you build a tradition.”

Roots That Grow
Asked what advice they would give to students stepping out into the world, Mr. Simmons offers a powerful metaphor: “You start as a seed, but you leave as a root.”

He explains, “Our students may go in all different directions, but their roots are here. And strong roots allow them to grow wherever life takes them.”

Monke adds, “We tell them that no matter where they go, they can always come back. We’re still here. Their community is still here, proud of them.”

And that’s the heart of their work. They aren’t just sending students out into the world—they’re making sure they leave knowing where they came from, knowing they are valued, and knowing that their school, their teachers, and their town will always be rooting for them.