For our college to be honored in this manner reflects credit on our entire institution and its students. Presenting the award was Dr. Dale Campbell of the Institute for Higher Education at the University of Florida, sponsor of the conference. Conference co-sponsors included the League for Innovation, the National Council for Occupational Education, the Community College Business Officers, the National Council of State Directors of Community Colleges, and the Education Commission of the States among others. The award was presented at the Community College Futures Assembly in Orlando, Florida, a national policy forum for key opinion leaders. The Bellwether Award to Daley College recognizes its role with the Associated Equipment Distributers Foundation in planning and implementing the Equipment and Technology Institute at Gage Park High School.
Most graduates continue in higher education, many with large scholarships.
Fourteen of the top graduates from Gage Park High School in June 2000 were participants in the program. Thirty-two graduates in the program had already earned a full year of college upon graduation from high school. Other finalists for the award were four statewide community college systems or agencies, one community district, and four other individual colleges, including the College of Lake County.