Scenes from SIUE’s East St. Louis Charter High School First Day of School; Applications for Enrollment Still Being Accepted

Scenes from SIUE's East St. Louis Charter High School First Day of School; Applications for Enrollment Still Being Accepted

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus rolled out the red carpet for the students' first day of school Tuesday, August 11. Eddie the Cougar joined faculty, administrators, staff and well-wishers in front of Building D to welcome the students with breakfast, cheers and best wishes for a successful year.

For Freshman Keamonnie Ashford, this first day of high school is a meaningful one. "I feel good. Looking forward to meeting new students. Hope it's a good school."

CHS is a school of choice for families in East St. Louis School District 189. CHS is able to serve up to 120 students and is currently still enrolling and accepting new families to fill remaining slots.

Valedictorian Anthony Ayers, a CHS spring 2026 graduate, received SIUE's Meridian Scholarship for a full ride to complete his undergraduate studies at the university. Four additional CHS spring 2026 graduates are also attending SIUE this fall.

"As our students walk the red carpet, they are not simply walking into a new school year-they are walking into a future filled with possibility, purpose, and promise," said CHS Director and Principal Kimberly Allen, an SIUE alumna, '08, '12.

She added, "This year marks an exciting new chapter as we reinstate STEM classes and rededicate ourselves to being a school focused on STEM education. Our expectations are high because we know our students are capable of achieving great things. We are committed to educating the whole child academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively while providing meaningful opportunities for students to discover their strengths and develop the skills they need to become college and career ready."

Allen also spoke of the shared responsibility of educating CHS scholars as a community effort. "We look forward to strengthening our partnerships with families and our community partners because when schools, families, and communities work together, our students are empowered to reach their fullest potential."

"There is something powerful about the first day of school-the excitement, the anticipation, and the promise of possibilities. Our students walked the red carpet not simply to enter a building, but to step confidently into a year filled with opportunities to learn, grow, achieve, and become," said Robin Hughes, PhD, Dean of the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB).

"The red carpet symbolized exactly what we want our students to know, and that is reflected in our mission and goals for the student: they are worth celebrating, they belong here, and we are prepared for them. As they begin this new school year, we want them to bring their dreams, hard work, and determination. We want them to be ready to make every day count and to be excited about it!"

Ashford arrived for his first day as a graduate from Lincoln Middle School and a star athlete in shot put. He looks forward to earning a college degree and has an interest in working with animals.

As for CHS, he said, "I just heard that it was a good school for me to come to for a good education. And you take trips!" Ashford looks forward to his college preview when visiting the Edwardsville campus this school year.

Tandra Taylor, PhD, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Educational Pathways and Community Engagement, added, "The first day of school is more than a beginning. It is a brand-new opportunity, a fresh slate upon which students continue to build their futures. As we celebrate the first day with the red carpet lined pathway into the Charter High School campus, our goal is for every student to envision themselves beyond our campus, ready to enter college and careers fully prepared, confident, and ready to thrive."

Photos by Howard Ash