A Rising Star from Princeville to the University of Illinois

Kellen Francis, a standout student-athlete from Princeville Jr. Sr. High School, graduated in 2023 with numerous honors. Known for his impressive physical stature at 6'6" and 320 pounds, Kellen has made a name for himself both on the field and in the classroom. In high school, he shined bright on the field, always looking to better the team and himself.  He was a machine, consistently pushing his limits and leading by example. He excelled well within the classrooms of PHS, and he was loved by his peers and mentors. Kellen graduated high school with many honors. He was selected as Princeville Honor 5, the highest honor bestowed upon a student at PHS, and the Top 11 in his graduating class. Kellen did not only participate in Football though, he also was involved in the National Honor Society, Science Club, and Math Team. 

His journey after High School took him to Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, where he continued to excel as a formidable force on the football field. At Butler, Kellen's dedication to academics was equally impressive. Holding a perfect 4.0 GPA, he is majoring in history with aspirations to pursue a career as a lawyer. His exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, and soon, he began attracting attention from major universities. Despite the numerous offers and campus visits, Kellen's heart remained true to his roots. 

In a move that delighted his hometown fans, Kellen committed to the University of Illinois, a school he had dreamt of playing for since childhood. With three years of eligibility remaining, he will be playing as an offensive lineman for the Illini. Kellen's journey from Princeville High School to the University of Illinois is a testament to his hard work, talent, and unwavering determination. As he embarks on this new chapter, we wish him nothing but success and look forward to seeing his journey unfold. And as always, "Once a Prince, Always a Prince."