FREEPORT — On November 13, the Highland Community College Foundation recognized six Distinguished Alumni at the Freeport Club.
This is the 29th year the Foundation has recognized individuals who made their start at Highland Community College, have shown community leadership, and believe in the mission of higher education. To date, Highland has named more than 160 individuals as Distinguished Alumni.
“The Distinguished Alumni event at Highland Community College is always a highlight of the year, and this year’s celebration was truly exceptional,” said Dan Dick, Highland Community College Foundation Executive Director. “The stories shared by our honorees remind us of the power of education, service, and perseverance. Each recipient has made a tremendous impact—individually, personally, and professionally—throughout their community. Their journeys inspire us all and reflect the very best of Highland’s mission.”
The following were recognized as Distinguished Alumni:
Abigayle Endress (Pearl City, IL)
Nominated by Haylee Knutti
Abigayle Endress graduated from Highland in 2018, then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctor degree from Drake University Law School. She is now an attorney with Elliott, Trainor & Weller, p.c. in Freeport.
While in law school, Abby was selected as a teaching assistant and worked as a student attorney in the Drake Legal Clinic. She was a member of Drake Law Women, Drake Agriculture and Environmental Association, and Drake Journal of Agricultural Law.
She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Stephenson County Bar Association, Stephenson County Farm Bureau, United Way of Northwest Illinois, Highland Community College Mentor Program, and volunteers at the Pearl City food pantry.
Javier Jazo (Freeport, IL)
Nominated by Lane Pierson
Since graduating from Highland in 2020, Javier Jazo earned a Bachelor’s in Finance and Marketing and Master’s of Business Administration from Texas A&M University–San Antonio and today is a Senior Enterprise Solutions Manager at DRI, the largest international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation.
Javier has returned to his roots at Highland Community College as mentor, role model, and head coach to the Men’s Golf team. Under his leadership, the team has had some of its most successful seasons in recent history, captured its fifth Arrowhead Conference Championship, produced the largest recruiting class in school history, qualified a team for the 2025 NJCAA National Championship, and sent an individual to Nationals in 2024.
Alicia Kepner (Lena, IL)
Nominated by Vanessa Hansberry
After graduating from Highland, Alicia Kepner earned her bachelor’s degree from Columbia College, where she was recognized as a Freeport Location Scholar.
In 2018, she received the HCC Excellence Award and now serves as the Nursing and Allied Health Coordinator at Highland, dedicated to developing confident, compassionate students prepared to make a difference in their fields.
Alicia is especially proud of HCC’s new mobile medical unit, which helps bridge healthcare gaps by providing check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations to those facing barriers such as distance, cost, or transportation.
Beyond campus, she founded the annual Festival of Giving toy drive in 2012 and continues to lead efforts each year to collect toys and donations for the Salvation Army.
Stacey Kleindl (Freeport, IL)
Nominated by Jenna Spinnato
After Highland in 1990, Stacey Kleindl went on to work at Freeport School District 145 in 1996, where she has held roles as a teacher, assistant principal, and now principal of Blackhawk Elementary School. Her leadership has directly improved student success in both academic achievement and reduced absenteeism.
She spearheaded the bilingual literacy program that now serves nearly 400 bilingual learners across the district.
She was selected for a Spotlight Recognition at the 9th Annual Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (IALAS) Conference in recognition of her exceptional leadership, commitment to inclusion, and remarkable academic progress at Blackhawk.
Elizabeth Chambers-Priller (Freeport, IL)
Nominated by Juliet Moderow
Elizabeth Chambers-Priller. was a Highland graduate in 2000 and 2007 when she was Nursing Student of the Year. After Highland, she went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Olivet NazareneUniversity and a Master of Science in Nursing as well as a Certificate in Transformational Leadership in 2024.
Elizabeth is a Registered Nurse in Illinois and Wisconsin and currently the Senior Director in Clinical Services at Quartz Health Solutions in Madison, Wisconsin.
She is also an author of three books, an artist, and an organizational consultant and health coach. She currently serves as ADA Commission Member for the City of Freeport, a Board member for RAMP Illinois, and is Board Secretary & Board Development Committee Member for Unity Point-Meriter Hospital Foundation.
Caleb Young (Rock City, IL)
Nominated by Jeremy Bradt
After graduating from Highland in 2006, Caleb Young earned his degree in Physical Therapy from Northern Illinois University. He began his career with ATI Physical Therapy, where his leadership and dedication led to a steady rise through the ranks—from Clinic Director to Regional and Multisite Director of Operations.
Since 2022, Caleb has served as a District Director overseeing clinics in the Rockford and Chicago suburbs, and in April 2025, his role expanded to include the Milwaukee district as well.
Outside of work, Caleb is deeply involved in the Davis, Durand, and Rock City communities, coaching youth in flag football, soccer, and basketball ministries. He also leads sports ministry volunteers, coordinates parent communications, and serves in church leadership at Faith Community Church, supporting both junior high and high school ministries.