Jayce DeGerlia Named Art Fahrner–Edward Jones Alton High School Remarkable Redbird of the Month

ALTON — Alton High School has announced junior Jayce DeGerlia as the latest Art Fahrner–Edward Jones Remarkable Redbird of the Month, recognizing her outstanding academic record, musical excellence, and leadership within the Redbird community.

An accomplished second-generation Redbird musician, DeGerlia is known not only for her talent, but also for the upbeat attitude she brings to school each day. Teachers and classmates describe her as a positive force in the building — something she takes great pride in.

Carrying an impressive 4.3 GPA, DeGerlia balances her academic success with an active and passionate commitment to music. She has played the flute since fifth grade and has spent the last three years performing with the prestigious Marching 100, serving this year as a section leader. The Marching 100 regularly appears at Alton High football games and travels to competitions statewide, including a recent performance at Eastern Illinois University.

DeGerlia’s musical résumé extends well beyond marching season. She recently learned she will be returning to the Honors Wind Ensemble for her second year as a senior next fall. She is also a three-year member of the AHS Jazz Band, which rehearses weekly and participates in regional events. This year, the ensemble performed at the Essentially Ellington festival hosted at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — an all-day jazz celebration that included a master class, student-teacher observations, and judging sessions. DeGerlia credits director Chris Jarden for inspiring the group with his unmatched energy and enthusiasm.

Music runs in the family for DeGerlia, whose mother played clarinet during her own time at Alton High School. That musical legacy, she says, has been a meaningful source of motivation.

While music is a major part of her life, DeGerlia’s future aspirations are rooted in healthcare. After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in nursing and ultimately earn her Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) credential, with the goal of working with premature infants. Her interest is deeply personal: DeGerlia herself was born three months premature and hopes to support families experiencing similar challenges.

She is currently earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and credits Ms. Kelly Page, a beloved AHS health sciences teacher, as a significant influence in her education.

As she looks ahead, DeGerlia is considering Southeast Missouri State University, among other schools, as a potential destination for the next chapter of her academic journey.

With her combination of academic excellence, leadership, musical artistry, and compassionate career goals, Jayce DeGerlia exemplifies what it means to be a Remarkable Redbird.

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