PEORIA, Ill. – Some of the best and brightest graduating seniors were celebrated Tuesday night at the 2026 Sterling Merit Awards Banquet at the Peoria Civic Center.
The Rotary Club of Peoria’s annual event honored students from 15 area high schools who finished in the top eight percent of their graduating classes. More than 600 students and parents attended the banquet, which recognizes academic excellence.
Rotary Club of Peoria member Susie Stockman praised the night’s keynote speaker, Bradley University President James Shadid, for delivering a meaningful message to the soon-to-be graduates.
The Sterling Merit tradition dates back to 1959, and the Rotary Club of Peoria has helped carry it forward since 1968.
Tuesday’s event was jointly sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Peoria, Peoria North, Chillicothe, and Farmington, continuing Rotary’s mission of service, education, and community leadership.
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