๐ Class of 2026
Chaylea Janae Brunk
B.S. Human Development & Family Studies ยท Minor in Child Health & Wellbeing
"From Kincaid to the next chapter, the world is yours, Chaylea."
Hometown
Tovey, Illinois
High School
South Fork High School
University
U of I Urbana-Champaign
Graduation
May 16, 2026
Degree
B.S. Human Development & Family Studies
Next Step
Master's in Human Services
A Family Milestone
First Generation Brunk Graduate
Background
Her Story
Chaylea Janae Brunk grew up in Tovey, Illinois, where she attended Kincaid South Fork High School. From a small town with big dreams, she set her sights on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, one of the nation's premier universities. She planned every step of this journey herself; the research, the classes, the scheduling, the decisions. From a small town in central Illinois to one of the nation's great universities, Chaylea forged her path to be a College Graduate.
Academics
Education
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
B.S. Human Development & Family Studies
Minor in Child Health and Wellbeing
Minor in Child Health and Wellbeing
Graduating May 16, 2026 ยท Champaign, Illinois
South Fork High School
High School Diploma
Kincaid, Illinois ยท South Fork Ponies
Graduate School โ Coming Next
Master's Degree in Human Services
Concentration in Child and Family Studies
Concentration in Child and Family Studies
Beginning Fall 2026
Academic Excellence
Achievements & Honors
3.9
GPA
4
Years at UIUC
1st
Gen Graduate
Alpha Alpha Alpha
National honor society for first-generation college students. Inducted 2026.
James Scholar
UIUC's honors program recognizing academic excellence and leadership.
Dean's List
Recognized on the Dean's List for outstanding academic performance.
ILEAP
Illinois Experiential & Applied Professional program participant.
Student Success Mentor
Mentor Collective training certification, issued August 2024.
The Next Chapter