http://www.silvercreekareaceo.com/

Silver Creek Area CEO, 3 W Main St, Mascoutah, IL (2026)

06/16/2026

Why invest in the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program?

Hear what CEO community member Craig Norrenberns, owner of Betty Ann Market, has to say.

06/15/2026

100% of our students identified communication skills as one of the areas where they experienced the most growth during their CEO journey. Through conversations with business leaders, interactions with mentors, business pitches, presentations, and networking opportunities, they learned that communication is a skill that can be developed through practice and experience.

06/07/2026

Our final graduate spotlight from O’Fallon Township High School is Sadeem Alqadi.

This fall, Sadeem will be attending Washington University in St. Louis.

When asked about a speaker or site visit that influenced her most, Sadeem pointed to our Downtown District O’Fallon visit. Students spent the morning visiting six different businesses before gathering at 1st Street Lounge, where all business owners gathered and shared the importance of supporting one another and working together as a business community. It was a timely lesson for our class as we were preparing for our own class business.

“There were many speakers and site visits this year, but the one that influenced me the most was the site visit to downtown O’Fallon. I saw many business ideas being carried out by different kinds of people. Many of them had no plans of becoming entrepreneurs, which showed me the flexibility of business and life. They also emphasized community and standing together with other entrepreneurs to assist one another, which resonated deeply with me.”

Throughout the year, Sadeem grew in both confidence and business knowledge as she presented her business, learned from speakers, and gained firsthand experience as an entrepreneur.

“I grew in confidence and knowledge about basic concepts of business. I had to present my business many times to various individuals, which grew my confidence in myself, my business, and public speaking.”

Sadeem also took the initiative to continue learning beyond what was required in class.

“I learned how to build a website and create an LLC. I also took online courses to be more prepared for CEO, which expanded my knowledge in subjects that I can use to start my own business venture in the future.”

When reflecting on the people who impacted her, Sadeem also shared her appreciation for her mentor, investors, guest speakers and board members.

“My mentor for my personal business was Mrs. Heather LoBue, and she by far had the greatest impact on my journey through CEO and my business. She always had faith in me, always listened to my problems, always made time in her busy schedule to help me, and was always full of positivity and good ideas.”

Sadeem, congratulations on all you have accomplished this year. Thank you for the curiosity, initiative, and thoughtfulness you brought to our class. We wish you continued success as you begin this next chapter at WashU!

06/06/2026

Our next graduate spotlight from O’Fallon Township High School is Jaydon Anderson.

This fall, Jaydon will be attending SIUE to study Finance.

As I read through Jaydon’s reflections, one word kept appearing over and over again: perseverance. Whether he was talking about business, personal growth, or overcoming challenges, it was clear that this was one of his biggest takeaways from the year.

When reflecting on what he learned about business, Jaydon shared:

“No matter what industry you choose to start a business in, it will never start off easy, and the amount of perseverance it takes for one to get through the first year of business is truly immense.”

That lesson was reinforced through his own experiences this year.

“This year, I grew in the area of perseverance. I regularly exercised the mindset of ‘it has to get done no matter what.’ This mindset has caused me to be much more productive in business and in other areas of my life.”

Jaydon also recognized growth in an area that many entrepreneurs struggle with: organization and accountability.

“One challenge I faced and learned from was that I have never been known for being able to remember tasks that need to get done. But this year, I changed that by learning to write down all of my responsibilities every day.”

Perhaps the reflection that stood out to me most was this one:

“There are times where I will fall short, but it’s how fast I can recover from the fall that will make me a better version of who I was prior to the fall.”

Jaydon was also quick to recognize the people who helped him throughout the year, especially his mentor, Fiona Hershberger.

“Fiona Hershberger, my mentor, guided me through my business startup decisions from the very beginning. Without her, my business would not be the same entity that it is today, and I cannot say that I would have been able to persevere through the hard work and decisions without her holding me accountable.”

He also expressed gratitude for everyone who makes the program possible, including guest speakers, board members, site visit hosts, investors, and mentors who invest their time and talents into our students.

Jaydon, congratulations on all you have accomplished this year. We are excited to see where your perseverance and determination take you next as you begin your journey at SIUE.

06/05/2026

Our next graduate spotlight from O’Fallon Township High School is Scott Stoelzle.

This fall, Scott will be attending the University of Arkansas to study Financial Management and Investment.

One of Scott’s most impactful experiences this year was preparing for and competing in Fish Tank.

“Preparing for and winning Fish Tank was one of the most impactful experiences I had this year. It was a lot of fun preparing a real pitch and being able to share my business with everyone watching.”

While there were many highlights throughout the year, Scott also learned some valuable lessons about leadership and working with others.

“The biggest challenge I faced was realizing that I could not do everything myself with our class business. There were things I wanted done a certain way, but all 20 of us were part of this project, so I had to learn to let other people do things their way.”

Like many students, Scott found himself stepping outside his comfort zone throughout the year.

“A skill I developed through CEO was the ability to approach and converse with strangers. Through our many opportunities, I was forced to go up to people I didn’t know and start conversations, ultimately realizing it wasn’t as scary as I thought.”

He also gained a much deeper understanding of business and what it takes to be successful.

“This year, I grew in my understanding of business language. I understand much more of the terminology and the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a business.”

When reflecting on the people who helped him along the way, Scott shared his appreciation for his mentor, Bob Fritz.

“Bob Fritz, my mentor, helped me tremendously throughout my business journey. He helped me with my financial spreadsheet, which allowed me to become very comfortable with my financial statements before Banker Day. He also helped me finish the small details after long and busy days leading up to my presentation.”

One lesson Scott plans to carry forward is a simple but important one:

“It is hard. But if you are dedicated and passionate about what you do, you can make it through.”

Congratulations, Scott. We are excited to see what the future holds for you and wish you all the best at the University of Arkansas.

06/04/2026

Our next graduate spotlight from O’Fallon Township High School is Brenton Hunter.

This fall, Brenton will be attending SIUE to study International Business.

When reflecting on the most impactful part of his CEO experience, Brenton shared that building his own business challenged him in ways he never expected.

“The most impactful CEO experience I had this year was starting my own business. I had many doubts about starting my business, and I had no idea which direction I would go in. This entire process has taught me so much about myself, and it has taught me many valuable lessons I will use for life.”

One of the biggest areas of growth for Brenton was learning to adapt when things didn’t go according to plan.

“This year I grew in the area of adaptability. I’m a very Type A person, and I don’t like sudden change. I had to learn how to get comfortable with pivoting and going in new directions quickly and efficiently.”

As he reflected on the year, Brenton also recognized something important about himself:

“I now understand that I am extremely resilient, and I can overcome any challenge that comes my way.”

Brenton was also quick to recognize the people who helped make his year successful, especially his mentor, Dr Leslie Davis.

“Our program would not be possible without our investors, mentors, and the people who thought our area needed this program. Dr. Leslie Davis is the greatest mentor I could have ever asked for. She’s like my mentor, mom, and cheerleader all in one, and she has helped me in so many ways. Whenever I needed to talk, she was always there and she made time for me during her busy work schedule.”

He also expressed gratitude for the support he received at home.

“I want to thank my parents for supporting me throughout this school year. Without them pushing me to strive for greatness, I wouldn’t have applied for this program, and I wouldn’t have accomplished everything I did this year without them.”

One thing I appreciate about Brenton is his willingness to embrace challenges, even when the path forward isn’t completely clear. Congratulations, Brenton. We are excited to see all that you’ll accomplish at SIUE and beyond.

06/03/2026

Our next graduate spotlight from O’Fallon Township High School is Audra Johnson.

This fall, Audra will be attending the University of Illinois, where she is still exploring her future major.

One of Audra’s standout memories from the year was our very first Meet & Greet. Like many students, she walked into that event not knowing exactly what to expect, but it ended up becoming a turning point for her.

“The first Meet & Greet event has always stood out to me. I’d never had the experience of mingling and talking to people like that before, and it changed the way I approach conversations.”

As the year progressed, Audra saw tremendous growth in her confidence and public speaking.

“Before CEO, I lacked the confidence to walk up and talk to someone or speak in front of a group. However, CEO taught me to be better at both of those things. I’m not perfect by any means, but I’ve come a long way from the beginning of the year.”

Another lesson Audra will carry with her is the importance of adapting when things do not go according to plan.

“Pivoting was a big thing I came to learn, especially through our class business. In school, we’re taught there is one right answer, but business isn’t like that. You need to learn how to pivot when something isn’t working, and CEO taught me that.”

Perhaps my favorite reflection from Audra was this simple realization:

“I can do hard things as long as I have enough strength to get up in the morning. There were big events in CEO had me stressed, but every single day I still got out of bed. I took each day one hour at a time, and now I’m here at the end of this class.”

Audra, it has been rewarding to watch your confidence grow throughout the year. Congratulations on all you have accomplished, and we wish you the very best as you begin this next chapter at the University of Illinois.

06/02/2026

Our next graduate spotlight from O’Fallon Township High School is Michael Rottschalk.

This fall, Michael will be attending Auburn University to study Aviation Management.

When reflecting on a standout moment from the year, Michael shared a conversation with his mentor, Mike Clark, that came just one week before Fish Tank.

“I called him late one night and nervously told him that I couldn’t pull the trigger on a $2,050 hat press. He told me that it is never too late to change up your business and that if I wasn’t comfortable spending that amount of money, I shouldn’t force myself to do it. Looking back, I am extremely grateful for the words of encouragement and confidence he gave me.”

Michael also shared that class business was one of the most impactful parts of his CEO experience.

“My role on the 50/50 and silent auction helped me understand the importance of keeping track of finances and having responsibility around other people’s money.”

Another lesson that stayed with Michael came from hearing speakers share their journeys and the challenges they overcame along the way. He specifically mentioned Ian Hutchinson and the reminder that hard work and dedication can take you further than you might imagine.

As he reflected on the year, Michael expressed gratitude for the investors who make the program possible.

“I want to thank all investors who helped fund this program and make it possible. I hope you continue to help future classes and make this CEO experience even better than the experience I had.”

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Michael is his willingness to listen, learn, and thoughtfully consider the advice he receives. Congratulations, Michael, and best of luck as you begin your journey at Auburn University.

06/01/2026

Over the past three weeks, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating our seniors as they graduated from Freeburg, Lebanon, Mascoutah, and now O’Fallon Township High School. This past weekend marked our final graduation ceremony, and this week we’ll be highlighting our seven OTHS graduates, beginning with London Glen.

This fall, London will be attending Bentley University in Massachusetts, where she plans to major in Finance and minor in Accounting.

When reflecting on the most impactful experience she had this year, London shared:

“The most impactful CEO experience I had this year was starting my own business. I believe that it has given me more responsibility, allowing me to understand how businesses operate.”

One speaker who especially influenced London was Tim Boyce. His presentation reinforced her interest in finance and helped her better understand the responsibilities that come with managing a business.

“A speaker that influenced me was Tim Boyce because he gave me another reason to enjoy learning about finances. Even though he talked about a few topics of financing for business, it inspired me to continue down the path I wanted. I was able to understand what it means to run a company’s finances and the responsibility at hand all from Tim Boyce.”

What makes that reflection even more meaningful is that Tim also served as London’s mentor this year.

“He truly showed me work ethic and how to be great at communicating. He has helped develop my personality and gave me an understanding of how to engage others.”

As the year progressed, London recognized growth in an area that many students find challenging.

“This year, I grew in the area of expression. I was able to understand how to expand my personality. I did not like or understand the point of small talk, but I realized that it is important when understanding bits of information about your customer in a business.”

She also gained a realistic perspective on the challenges business owners face.

“Something I learned about real business was that it can be difficult to have a home/work balance, but it is possible. I also understand that sometimes it is inevitable, but opening up time for yourself is important.”

London, it has been a pleasure watching you grow this year. Congratulations on all you have accomplished, and best of luck as you begin your journey at Bentley University.

06/01/2026

Thank you to all the investors of the Silver Creek Area CEO Program who make this program possible. Why do YOU choose to invest in CEO?

Let us know in the comments below!

Silver Creek Area CEO

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