2022-23 High School Confidential, Week 27
Apr. 6—***
Welcome to Year 7 of High School Confidential, powered by Danville Area Community College. It's an award-winning project made possible by aspiring student journalists from every corner of our circulation area. Each Thursday through April, they'll tell us what's happening in their hallways at news-gazette.com.
At least once a week, we'll also hand over our Snapchat account (News-Gazette) to our correspondents for behind-the-scenes tours.
Feedback? Email N-G/VP Jim Rossow at jrossow@news-gazette.com.
On to this week's report:
Academy High
On Saturday, the school's service club — the Caring Crew — along with St. Thomas More, Urbana, Champaign Central, Centennial and Uni High — held their second annual Caring Carnival. The event with food and games, raffles and a volleyball tournament benefitted the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.
— Rosie Atkinson
Arcola
Four students were inducted into the Tri-M Music Society on Sunday: Lillian Hensley, Pedro Gerardo Alanis, Alex Gutierrez and Mark Vazquez. Also, Eadie Budd, Ella Chupp, Morgan Doud, Reynol Oyervides and Karina Warfel were granted alumni membership. According the Tri-M music society, "The purpose of this organization is to inspire music participation, create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, and promote leadership in the music students of secondary schools." Pictured: Bianca Arguelles, Karina Warfel, Morgan Doud, Mark Vazquez, Reynol Oyervides, Alex Hawn, Ella Chupp, Pedro Gerardo Alanis and Julissa Galaviz; and seniors Karina Warfel, Morgan Doud, Mark Vazquez, Reynol Oyervides and Ella Chupp.
Bement
In Angie Corum's adult living class: After spending a day talking about specific stains and how to remove them, students took part in a lab in which they were handed grass stains, ketchup and lipstick and were told to remove them.
— Emily Parrish
BHRA
Students from Stephanie Tidwell's civics class took a field trip to the county clerk's office, touring of the Vermilion County Administration Building and hearing from county government workers. Tidwell offers this trip to allow her students to be more informed about their local government and how each office may apply to them in the future. On this trip, many students registered to vote and cast their ballots. Students left with a better understanding of their local government and as citizens ready to vote for what they believe in.
— Cody Drake
Cerro Gordo
Wednesday was a half day to transition into spring break (Thursday, Friday, Monday). On Tuesday, Jennifer Moore's French class made crepes. Students brought ingredients and toppings they wanted in their individual crepes — and enjoyed the finished product in class.
— Hannah Copeland
Champaign Central
Last Wednesday, Central's Best Buddies chapter held a mental health bingo event. It was led by program managers from the Best Buddies Illinois branch, Lanada Cunningham and Justina Jennings, in the school's library lecture hall. Participants were handed bingo sheets filled with different self care practices and, as each practice was called, Cunningham and Jennings took a moment to discuss what the practice was and some examples of how they use the practice in their own lives. Pictured:
— Janani Pattabi
Chrisman
Chrisman hosted the first Section 18 Poultry CDE on Sunday night, several members volunteering to run the contest. The FFA team finished first with individual placings as follows: Hana Gillaspie (first), Samantha Raimer (third), Nic Eddy (fifth), Macy Keys (sixth) and Gage Tingley (nine).
— Reese Anderson
Fisher
The FFA chapter held its yearly ribeye dinner last weekend at the high school. Students put together dinner, deserts and a silent auction to raise money for the club. Pictured: Asher Litman and Victoria Cullotta; and Kesiah Musick and Alexis Murray.
— Emma McFarling
Georgetown-Ridge Farm
Alan Baldwin had been a permanent substitute teacher for the third nine weeks of the school year until he had to return to farming. Still, he teaches two days a week, leading classes in government, consumers and psychology. Among his many contributions: He created escape rooms and bingo to go with what we were learning, and provided incentive to do good on big tests — such the privilege to shave his head, eyebrows, mustache and beard. He's definitely one teacher who truly cares for the students — and for that we're so lucky to have had him as a teacher for that short period of time.
— Izabella Wills
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
Aspiring teachers attended the Future Educators Conference at the University of Illinois. Students had the opportunity to listen to keynote speaker Kimberly Radostits — 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year — in addition to participating in various breakout sessions alongside other future teachers.
— Katie Steidinger
Heritage
Last Thursday, six students attended the Future Educators Conference at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign: (left to right) Timmy Wilson, Aaron Coffin, Nathan Bensyl, Paige George, Riley Miller and Mary Roland.
— Katelyn Learned
Hoopeston Area
The drama department presented the annual spring musical, "Bye Bye Birdie." Cast members worked for months to perfect their show, which featured starring actor Julian McKelvey and Silas Yates and actresses Anna Anderson and Alexa Bailey.
— Emma Rayls
Iroquois West
The agricultural program continues to excel. Congratulations to Beau Howe, Tatum Willms and Cort Leonard for being named section leaders, leading the Raiders to another victory.
— Calli Kraft
Judah Christian
On a Wednesday morning way before the sun rose, the senior class departed on a weeklong trip to Bradenton Beach, Fla., packed full of fun as well as service. Students visited the beach multiple times, laying out tanning or visiting cute shops. Friday was spent at Bush Gardens for rides and the zoo. Another day everyone went kayaking at Robinson Wildlife Preserve. On Monday, students helped out at Azinger Family Compassion Center One More Child, learning about all the programs they have to provide supplies and support to single mothers, foster parents and children. The group also went to a house of a foster family and washed their cars and assembled several boxes of hand wipes to send out to schools. It was an amazing thing to be a part of, and I think we all learned a lot. The last night of the trip we all went to the beach around sunset to reflect on both the trip and what we have left of school before graduating soon. Overall the senior trip made us all closer and nobody wanted to leave. Pictured on the beach: (back row) Josiah Taylor, Ryan Chen, Owen Jones, Jacob Kursell, Malachi Settles, Connor Cox, William Ingersoll, Caleb Yant and Sam Pauza; (front row) Bethany Jackson, Essie Brown, Sofia Johnson, Ayrial Miller, Jovona Neely, Grace Garrison, Eleni Krall and Joey Limentato.
— Bethany Jackson
LeRoy
As the basketball season wrapped up, senior player Jack Edmundson was named slam dunk champion at the Heart of Illinois Conference and Illini Prairie Conference all-star game.
— Lily Monigold
Mahomet-Seymour
An E-Sports club is new to the school this year. At their meeting last Wednesday, students worked on different devices and played various games.
— Maddie Grindley
Milford
Baseball and softball are in full swing, each team starting fast out of the gate with 3-2 and 3-1 records, respectively.
— Maddie Hardwick
Monticello
Pep Club, baseball and softball teams helped raise money for Dylan Bazzell, Drew Fehr and their families. The Sages also supported the Prairie Central community by wearing colored stirrups and wristbands during the game.
— William Ross
Oakwood
Last weekend, art students competed at the Vermilion Valley Conference Art Competition. Senior Mari Adams won 18 total ribbons, the most of anyone who competed. Pictured: sophomore Sam Willis with her giant lady; and sophomore Payton Reed with their artwork as well. Amanda Nichols said she was proud to have her students take home 33% of the overall ribbons — a great weekend for the school's art students.
— Kalie Tison
Paxton-Buckley-Loda
The school hosted "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" on Saturday and Sunday.
— Kate Wilson
Rantoul
Jazz band took first place in Class 1A at the Danville Jazz Festival .
— Caya Flesner
St. Joseph-Ogden
Foods students competed in the regional UI Extension 4-H Food Competition (High School Chopped) on Friday. Taylor Burch, Tyler Burch, Ty Pence and McGwire Atwood were awarded the title Food Safety Experts at the event.
— Alyssa Acton
St. Thomas More
At Friday's schoolwide $5 dress down day, students wore blue in support of the Prairie Central community which is dealing with the loss of life of two students over spring break. The money collected in the out-of-uniform day went to support the families of students (Dylan Bazzell, Drew Fehr), with over $1,000 being raised.
— Jose Andino Guerra
Salt Fork
A group of art students attended the VVC art show. Many received awards, including: Julia Willer (second and third in color ink design); senior Addi O' Brien (first and second on two different pieces); and Bennett Cary (first place, second place, third place and honorable mention).
— Macie Russell
Schlarman
Father Szydlik has been priest at St. Paul's Catholic Church since last summer, providing support for students at Schlarman. Teachers gathered for dinner with him to show their appreciation as he is moving to another church after Easter.
— Lilly Perez
Shiloh
As a third quarter reward, high school students with good grades and behavior were allowed to attend the Engineering Open House at the University of Illinois on March 31. Students were in groups of their choosing and explored the campus. There were labs and different hands-on activities along with many food trucks. Chaperoning teachers also explored the campus and got to learn with the students. Pictured: Senior Izzy Hoth and freshman Gracie Baugh.
— Lydia Richardson
Tuscola
Track and field members support the Warriors in the 1,600-meter relay in the final event at the Arcola meet.
— Grant Kauffman
Uni High
Thespians put on a 24-hour show — the first in Uni theater's history. On Friday night, five writers were each given one noun, one verb and one adjective. After a brainstorming session with small groups of actors, the writers spent the night completing the script. Bright and early the next morning,= actors, directors and writers gathered to start rehearsing the completed plays. There was an air of exhaustion that filled the building the entire day, but by 7 p.m. the Thespians started their performance. The large audience enjoyed the short-form comedy and chaos resulting from a play being produced in less than 24 hours. By the end of the night, eyebags hung heavy under the eyes of everyone as they departed the school building after a long day of hard work. Photos courtesy Cecilia Calfas.
— Wes Lu
Unity
After a brief hiatus, Unity hosted its annual Fine Arts Festival to showcase art and talent for the community to enjoy. In addition to art from students, there were displays from history, math, and family and consumer sciences class. Additionally, there was a talent show, cake walk and a scavenger hunt. Pictured: Evelyn Albaugh and her art display; Kourtney Russel sings during the talent show; Calvin Baxley and Harry Polonus do a comedy routine; and Ava Holladay and Desire De Los Santos sing a duet.
— Jolie Meyer
Urbana
Art students have been working on a mural in the science hallway to celebrate different scientific contributions from people of color. Among those adding the finishing touches, left to right: Abigail Friedman; art teachers Melinda Watts-Ellis and Roberta Bennett; Linna McCracken; and Lux Hall.
— Jennifer Arriaga-Lopez
Villa Grove
By beating Georgetown-Ridge Farm on Tuesday, coach Jeana Block celebrated her 100th win. Head coach since 2017, Block described the win as a fun milestone which made her appreciate all of the athletes, families and coaches that helped her along the way. Expectations are high for this year's team, which lost only one senior and adding three talented freshmen. Block is looking forward to May as she is excited to see what the team can do in the postseason.
— Emma Bratten-Noice
Westville
The Westville Leo's met last Saturday morning to stuff Easter eggs and put together prizes for the Westville Lions Club's annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday. High school members include: Easton Barney, Hadley Jones, Luke Barney, Aidan Skinner, Brooklyn White, Emma Schluter, Alayne Mackiewicz, Sponsor: Mandy Alvarez and Josiah Schlueter. Junior high members include: Aiden White, Chaz Alvarez and Blake Smith.
— Irelynn Phelps
