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This past academic year at Jackson State University was successful for William Foster, because the former Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center Upward Bound student said his study regime entails at least eight hours per day.

The Cahokia native closed out his freshman year at the historically black college with a 4.0 grade point average that landed him on the honor roll and President’s List, and resulted in other academic achievements.

“I stress a lot about my grades,” Foster said. “I pay attention in class, and afterwards I put in a lot of study time, staying up to 3 a.m. most days.”

Foster said he is grateful to be in school and doesn’t take his education lightly, seeing it was questionable a year ago about whether he would even be at college.

“Finances were my initial challenge in attending college,” he explained. “At the time of my decision to go to school, I had no scholarships and was lacking a clear vision for my future. I began filling out at least 10 scholarships a day.

“After applying for so many scholarships and doing well on the ACT, I eventually received more than enough money to make it through school,” said Foster, who plans to major in accounting and minor in Spanish. “Jackson State, through its Academic Tuition Scholarship Award, will pay for my tuition for four years because of my 23 ACT score.”

Foster’s room and board is being paid by the following scholarships: William Pablo Feraldo Memorial, Muriel Hartl, Cahokia Chamber of Commerce, Cahokia Confederation of Teachers, Par or Better, Deloris Manfredini and McDonald’s Academic Excellence through the United Negro College Fund.

Foster was one of 24 chosen for the McDonald’s Academic Excellence Scholarship Award out of hundreds of applications. His selection also included his photo being placed on two billboards on Highways 64 and 70 in the Metro East.

Some of the achievements and appointments the sophomore made last year include: W.E.B. DuBois Honors College student, Lambda Sigma Honor Society president, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society member and National Society of Collegiate Scholars Honors Society treasurer. Foster said he plans to maintain his designation and affiliations with the organizations throughout his college career.

“To be a good student, you have to open yourself up to a lot of different opportunities,” Foster said. “You also have to develop and maintain confidence in yourself. My mother has been instrumental in my achievements, because she has supported me throughout life and is always there to revive my confidence.”

Foster stood out as a student to SIUE Upward Bound Program Director Javonda Quinn from day one.

“He was always so serious about his school work, college searches and scholarship searches,” Quinn said. “He was always determined to make good grades and be an example in Upward Bound. I am so proud of the student he is at Jackson State! I can't wait to see William three years from now on his way to pursue his law degree.”

“What I liked best about Upward Bound was the support of teachers like Ms. (Akiya) Perry, Mr. (Christopher) Crumble, and Mrs. (Camille) Johnson to name a few,” he added. “They motivated me to continue to excel in academics. Counselors like Mr. (Gary) Traylor and Mr. Muhammad (Raqib) are awarded with my appreciation, because I relied upon them for genuine advice.”

In looking towards the near future, Foster wants to finish college strong. “I want to graduate on the President’s List as summa cum laude, pass the Law Student Admissions Test with a score in the range of 70, attend law school, pass the BAR exam and open up my own practice.”

“I also want to be a blessing to others,” he added, “and live without debt.”

Upward Bound helps youth prepare for higher education and serves students from East St. Louis and Cahokia (EC), and Brooklyn, East St. Louis Charter and Madison (BEM) High Schools. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition and STEM subjects on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer.

The mission of the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students, who are career- and college- ready, upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, IL youth. The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189.

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals - from pre-school through adult - in the Metro East. Head Start/Early Head Start and a charter high school are among the programs that offer the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. The Center also assigns first priority to encouraging, supporting and improving the educational success of the residents of East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities. The Center provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.

Photos:
William Foster and Foster is pictured on one of McDonald’s billboard for receiving an Academic Excellence Scholarship Award.