How Honest Game is Transforming Academic Success at Kankakee High School

Shifting Mindsets and Prioritizing Academics

“Our goal in the district… is that every student walks away from Kankakee High School with an understanding of what it is that they would like for their future.” – Gabrielle Garrett, Director of Secondary Education

A recent, significant change at Kankakee High School has been the shift from an athlete-first to a student-first mindset. Student-athletes like Naomi Bey-Osborne now emphasize academic excellence as a foundation for their athletic success.

“Academically, I did not used to take my grades seriously because I used to be an athlete student instead of student athlete. It was never really, your grades are first until it got installed in my mind.” – Naomi Bey-Osborne, Student-Athlete

Honest Game’s platform equips students with tools to track their academic progress, making requirements clear and achievable. This streamlined approach not only empowers students but also fosters a collaborative and supported spirit among staff and coaches, mitigating risk for errors when navigating the confusing college and career paths available to students.

The enthusiasm has spread to school administrators, which highlights the platform’s wide-ranging potential impact. Principals, superintendents, and senior leadership recognize the value of Honest Game’s platform because it prepares students for success in all areas of life.

Expanding Opportunities for All

“Kankakee is a small town, but also a big town. It’s urban, but yet rural. And we have a community that’s really passionate about supporting our students.” – Gabrielle Garrett, Director of Secondary Education

The partnership between Kankakee High School and Honest Game goes beyond individual students—it aims to uplift the entire community. As a new partner of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), Honest Game is expanding access and growing educational pathways statewide, helping to drive academic success on a larger scale.

“Having a platform that IHSA is partnering with now, I think that’s really big, now that all schools will have the access that Kankakee has. And that’s a game changer for our community. So I know it’s going to be a game changer for the rest of the state.” – Marques Lowe, Director of Track & Field

The platform isn’t just for student-athletes—it’s for all students. The partnership with IHSA signifies a broader commitment to academic success across the state, potentially transforming educational outcomes and standards for many students, schools, and districts.

Impact That Lasts

Honest Game has enhanced academic success for Kankakee High School since the partnership began in 2020. The platform has become an essential asset that benefits both student athletes and school departments alike.

“It’s become a partnership and even a friendship to where, if we’ve had some emergency cases or things we need help with, they [Honest Game] are a quick phone call away. They check in on us, we check in on them, and it’s become a really strong relationship that supports our student-athletes, supports our families. It’s a guide for teachers and counselors, administrators and for directors.” – Ronnie Wilcox, Athletic Director

Honest Game has become a critical, proactive intervention for Kankakee High School, streamlining academic tracking and reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning. By fostering a culture that values academic achievement, Honest Game’s services and software are helping students develop the tools they need to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

Interested in transforming your school’s approach to academics and athletics? Learn how Honest Game can support your students and staff today!