By Patrick Baron

NORMAL – Heartland Community College in Normal is gearing up for the impending school year while celebrating the academic successes of its students.

Speaking with WJEZ’s Todd Wineburner, Heartland Associate Director of Public Information Steve Fast said the school has been celebrating the achievements of the school’s business students. He said one club in particular competed at the state-level (with tests, presentations, and speaking events) and the national level, with eight students posting in the top ten of their respective categories.

“They’ll be using these exact same skills that they’ve learned in various business-oriented disciplines like accounting or speaking or business communications or business law in one case, and they will be taking those skills into the workforce or into the final two years of a four-year degree and then into the workforce,” Fast explained.

Fast also noted with the next school year beginning next month, there is still time for people to register for classes ahead of the August 20 deadline. He explained prospective students need to make sure they have all of their ducks in a row before they throw on a backpack and head to the classroom.

“You want to make sure if you get registered you get your preferred classes and preferred class times and also you will want to talk to an adviser if you’re seeking financial aid options,” said Fast. “Talk to an adviser about what type of placement tests you may need to take. Now is the time.”

Heartland recently welcomed its new president, Keith Cornille, who began his tenure on July 1. Cornille has replaced Rob Widmer, who retired at the end of June.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].