Last school year, Rich Township High School District 227 proudly celebrated STEM Campus graduates Aaliyah Benitez and Dainelle Ellington after they were awarded prestigious Chancellor’s Scholarships to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Now, as they begin their college journeys, SIU has officially welcomed and recognized them as members of its 2026–2027 class of Chancellor’s Scholars. Aaliyah and Dainelle were honored alongside the other scholarship recipients during a September 15 luncheon with SIU Chancellor Austin Lane and university leaders.
They are two of only 41 Chancellor’s Scholars selected from a pool of 565 applicants. The four-year scholarship covers tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing and meals.
Aaliyah is pursuing pre-dentistry, while Dainelle is studying accounting. We are proud to continue following their success as they represent Rich Township at the collegiate level.
Once a Raptor, always a Raptor!
Read SIU’s announcement: https://news.siu.edu/2026/09/091626-siu-carbondale-awards-64-full-ride-chancellors-and-provosts-scholarships-for-2026-27.php
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