Alton Senior Samuel Caughran Combines Academic Excellence with Extensive Volunteer Work

Samuel Caughran

ALTON - Samuel Caughran, Kennedy Lacey and Lucille Cassenti, all students at Alton High School, were honored as Students of the Month for April 2026 during a regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant.

Samuel Caughran was recognized for his academic performance, extensive school involvement, and long-standing commitment to community service.

Caughran’s service background is rooted in the Rotary principle “Service Above Self,” which he embraced through community events alongside his mother, who served as the director of Glazebrook Park for more than a decade.

His early volunteering included helping at local events and assisting with youth sports, experiences that continued into roles such as junior counseling at The Nature Institute, participation in the National Junior Honor Society, serving as a counselor in training at Collinsville Aqua Park, volunteering at community events and contributing to local traditions such as the Christmas parade.

At Alton High School, Caughran has participated in the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Student Council, Link Crew, Biology Club, Math Team, Mu Alpha Theta, Saturday Scholars and environmental programs including Growing Beyond Earth. He also has taken part in athletics, including soccer and track and field, and served as a lead cheerleader for Powderpuff.

Music has been a central part of his high school experience. Caughran has been involved in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Orchestra, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra and the Marching 100. He served as co-drum major during his sophomore year and as head drum major during his junior and senior years.

Academically, Caughran has maintained a 4.6 weighted GPA and a 3.9 unweighted GPA. He is an Illinois State Scholar, a Platinum Alpha graduate, and a Silver Medallion recipient, and he ranks seventh in his graduating class. He also has dedicated time to Freedom Percussion, a competitive program that requires extensive rehearsals and teamwork.

After graduation, Caughran plans to attend Ranken Technical College to study Electrical Systems Design Technology.

Caughran aspires to work with energy companies to develop renewable energy solutions and promote environmental sustainability, an interest shaped by his environmental studies coursework and interactions with industry professionals.

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