Success Stories > Credit Recovery in Rock Falls Illinois

Illinois student becomes first-generation
high school grad, thanks to Stars Suite

ROCK FALLS, Ill. – Krystal Hedstrom never intended on dropping out of high school at age 17. The self-proclaimed “teacher’s pet” always finished her work on time and dreamed of going to college to become a preschool teacher.

But a severe case of pneumonia complicated her plans by keeping her out of the classroom. In and out of school for months, eventually the teen gave up, feeling like she’d never catch up.

“I was so upset and feeling really depressed about the fact that I knew I wasn’t going to graduate,” the now 20-year-old said. “I didn’t think I’d be able to go to college and become somebody.”

With only three credits left to finish her diploma, Krystal turned to Beth Hubbard, coordinator and case manager of the Whiteside County Regional Office’s Education Outreach Program, to help her finish her education.

The Education Outreach Program utilizes EdOptions™’ Novel™, a library of more than 39 Web-based core and elective courses available anytime, from anywhere with an Internet connection. Novel, a member of the company’s Stars Suite™, is a flexible option for students who want to finish their high school diploma instead of studying for their GED, Hubbard said.

“Some students really want their diploma and they’re so close,” she said. “So this enables us to do that.”

Even while traveling across 33 states, Krystal kept up with her courses and in contact with her teachers.

Hubbard enrolled the young woman in the Web-based courses, which proved even more beneficial when Krystal announced that she was planning to travel the country for the summer.

Even while traveling across 33 states, Krystal kept up with her courses and in contact with her teachers, e-mailing pictures and homework assignments along the way.

“I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have the Web-based Novel courses,” Krystal said. “I know I wouldn’t have been able to travel and have some of the experiences that I did.”

Whiteside County
Regional Office of Education
Education Outreach Program
Sterling, Illinois

For more info contact:

EdOptions
1-866-243-7460

Now Krystal is doing what she never thought possible: ordering her graduation cap and gown.

“I’m excited and proud of myself,” she gushed. “I’m graduating May 25 from Rock Falls High School.”

For Krystal and her family, the accomplishment is sweet not only because she conquered many obstacles to earn her diploma: it’s also a unique feat.

But she remains optimistic about her siblings’ chances to succeed, as well.

“I’m trying to encourage my little brother especially to go back to school,” Krystal said. “If I can do it, I know he can, too.”