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Here's What To Do:
Complete the Request More Information form to be notified when the application opens.
01
Sign Up For Updates
Fill out the request form below to learn more about CEO and receive text updates about the application process. You can do this whether or not the application has opened yet!
02
Start Your Application
When applications open, you’ll get a text with a direct link. Our blind review hides names and personal details, so selection is based on your potential and interest. The application is a simple 6-step process.
03
Submit Before The Application Window Closes
Late submissions won’t be considered. Submit a 150-word personal narrative on why you want to be a part of CEO, complete a character survey, provide the required character references (set by your program), and obtain parent/guardian approval.
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Alumni Testimonials
CEO Alumni bring a unique retrospective to the CEO journey. After experiencing CEO, alumni continue to utilize the skills learned to create an impact in the CEO community and beyond!
Dorothea Villhard
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Dorothea Villhard is a senior at Father McGivney Catholic High School. She has been a member of the volleyball team for four years and now serves as a varsity team captain. In addition to athletics, Dorothea is a House Leader, a student ambassador, a National Honor Society committee head, and an active member of the Recycling Club. She has also gained valuable leadership and responsibility through her work as a babysitter. Outside of school, Dorothea enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and spending time with family and friends. After graduation, she plans to attend college and is exploring opportunities in fashion media and related fields of study. She is particularly excited about the CEO program because it will allow her to build skills in creativity, communication, and entrepreneurship that connect directly to her future career goals. Dorothea looks forward to using the program’s real-world experiences and professional connections as a foundation for success in fashion media.
Malak Amer
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Malak Amer is a senior at Edwardsville High School. She enjoys participating in many extracurriculars and clubs including National Honor Society, Thespian Society, Drama Club, Ethics Bowl (philosophical discussion), The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, Chess Club, and Peer to Peer Tutoring. She also co-founded the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and is the co-president of Unity Club and vice president of the Science National Honor Society. Malak is very honored to be part of the Edwardsville CEO Program and is excited to meet many new people and have new experiences as well as form her own business. While Malak enjoys and values academics, she also sees the importance of going into the “real world”, meeting people, and forming valuable connections. During her free time, Malak enjoys a good game of chess followed by a peaceful reading session with rain sounds in the background. Malak speaks Arabic fluently and can communicate in Spanish. She has traveled to 5 countries and has had the privilege to ride over 30 planes. Malak plans to pursue a degree in engineering (most likely in the mechanical field) and then hopes to one day become a businesswoman and have the power to help people.
Kaiden Nelson
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Kaiden Nelson is a Senior at Edwardsville High School. Kaiden was selected as a member of the 2026 CEO program, and is very devoted to academic achievement. He is enrolled in multiple national honors societies as well as an AP course and is on High Honor Roll. Kaiden is community-oriented serving as an officer and editor for EHS Key club, a club designed to lead initiatives to support developmentally challenged students. His involvement in Unified sports, Care Closet, and FLS programs highlight his dedication to inclusivity and teamwork. Kaiden also spends much of his time both in and out of school enjoying creative arts such as photography, of which he is a head photographer in the EHS yearbook program, and painting and drawing as a member of the national art honors society. Kaiden is also an active member of Student Council, helping to organize student events and advocate for students' interests. Kaiden is very excited for the opportunities to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact on his community through the lessons learned in CEO.
Lucas Lorenz
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Lucas Lorenz is a Senior at Metro East Lutheran High School. He is captain of the golf, basketball, volleyball, and robotics teams. He is a member of National Honors Society, band (He plays trumpet.), the Academic Challenge team, and the youth leadership team at his church. During his free time Lucas enjoys hiking, reading, and playing sports with friends. After high school Lucas hopes to attend the United States Air Force Academy and major in aerospace engineering, computer engineering, or mechanical engineering. Lucas looks forward to the challenges offered by the CEO program and wants to apply the learned skills into his everyday life.
Simon Stearns
Edwardsville CEO
Class of 2026
Simon Stearns is a Senior at Edwardsville High School. He is a private pilot and takes every chance he gets to go fly and explore the amazing world of aviation. He is a proud member and youth recruiter for Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 864. He spends his free time playing Boy’s Volleyball for Edwardsville Highschool. Simon is also a member of National Honor Society, Future Aviators Club, Student Council and St. Clair Beekeepers Association. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and flying RC planes. Simon plans to get a degree in Professional Flight with a minor in Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance. He is grateful to be a part of the CEO program and is looking forward to making a business combining his love for aviation with his love for entrepreneurship.