Every other Thursday during the school year, NewsChannel 15 and Busey Bank honor a student in Central Illinois who is hardworking. The student is honored with a short segment on the Thursday 6 p.m. news and a Making the Grade plaque.

Students can be preschool through college-age and they do not have to earn straight A's to be considered. Anyone showing hard work and dedication in education can earn the award.

Once selected, students and principals are contacted, then NewsChannel 15 travels to the school to videotape a feature about that student.

It's easy to nominate a student. Just send a letter explaining why you think the student deserves the Student of the Month Award in care of "Making the Grade" to NewsChannel 15, 250 South Country Fair Drive, Champaign, IL 61821 - or e-mail us at news@wicd15.com - Subject: Making the Grade Award.