There are many deserving families in northwest Illinois, but Highland is proud that one of its own, Joey Stott of Lena, a distinguished Highland Community College graduate has been selected to receive a new dream home by ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Just last year Joey was actively working to earn Highland’s highest honors and graduated in May 2009 with a 4.0 grade point average. She also received the College’s coveted Citizenship Award, the only one awarded by the College president last year. Joey dedicated a significant portion of her time to Highland Community College as well, working as a student tutor in the College Success Center, serving as vice-president of the student senate and as a member of the College Honor society, Phi Theta Kappa.

There is more to Joey’s story, however, than her distinguished academic record. Joey is a five-year cancer survivor. Having overcome Leukemia, Joey is extremely focused on what she wants from life and what she wants to give back. She operates a rescue farm and raises sheep for organic wool production. Joey also serves the region as a Jo Daviess County mounted patrol officer.

Joey’s inner strength was apparent to the Highland Community College family during finals week last spring. During the night, Joey and her family experienced an electrical explosion and fire in their home. They moved to trailers on the property while they awaited repairs that would make the home inhabitable. Rebounding from the frightening experience, Joey delivered a solid address to her fellow graduates and their families as the featured student speaker at Honors Convocation the next week. One week later the local daily newspaper featured a call for northwest Illinois nominations for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. A small student and staff group from Highland came together to nominate Joey Stott. 

Today Joey continues to pursue her dreams at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. Joey aspires to be a science teacher where she will continue to serve our northwest Illinois region as a role model for the area’s youth.