Shown are the students who chose the education pathway-Abigail Wyant, Itzel Rivas, Itzel Mosso Ramos, Payton Galli (row 2) Trenton Edens, Kaiden Goffrier, Angel Lingwall and Esme Martinez.

As the school year wrapped up, dozens of Kewanee High School students finished coursework that gave them real-world experience in their chosen career fields.

Automotive, shown are Teacher Dave Armstrong, Dustin Watson and Caleb DeMuynck.

Through the College and Career Pathway Endorsement program, students explored professions ranging from health care to automotive technology, gaining insight into what it’s like to work in those industries.

Health Science students are Gabe Anderson, Ava Laue, Kalleigh Gale, Owen Laue, Griffin Hicks (row 2) Jorden Anderson, Azucena Cabada, Maelie Jermenc, Gabby Hampton, Kendyl DeBlieck and Taylor VanWinkle.

During the 2025–26 school year, KHS offered five pathway areas β€” education, welding, agriculture, automotive and health science β€” with 30 students graduating with pathway endorsements. The previous year, three pathways were available, and seven students earned the distinction.

Ag students are -Jaxon Janey, Brooklyn Schiltz, Katy Carton, Emmalee Kilstrom and Kalleigh Gale. Back row are Jack Anderson and Casey Jonshon, teacher Ella Cagwin.

Each student completed 60 hours of field experience and met rigorous coursework requirements. Some worked alongside OSF HealthCare employees, with a few observing surgeries. Others gained experience at Great Dane and Gustafson Ford or spent the year assisting in classrooms across the district.

Welding students are Kingston Peterson, teacher Dustin Wheelhouse and Jaxon Janey.

Looking ahead, KHS plans to expand to nine pathway areas next year. Ninety-five students in the class of 2027 are already pursuing endorsements, positioning the school well ahead of many area districts and state benchmarks.