2022-23 High School Confidential, Week 26
Mar. 30—***
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:
ALAH
A trivia night — featuring theme-dressed teams of 3-5 people — was held in the gym to raise money for the Class of 2026. The best-dressed team was "Barnyard" (pictured, left to right: Brooklyn Gingerich, Will Hilligoss, Ava Binion, Abigail Miller, Anna Rawlins). The runner-up for trivia was "Mr. Bates Fan Club" (Aaron Seegmiller, Nolan Schrock, Brady Moore, Ashley Seegmiller, Sarah Bailey). The trivia champs — "Flock of Beagles" — had a stacked team consisting of teachers (Mark Smith, Kendall Huffman, Erin Schrock, Melissa Schrock, Eric Alexander). Those in attendance a great time while playing the five rounds of trivia, and the freshman class was able to raise a ton of money in the process.
— Jacob Adcock
Arcola
Two students qualified for the indoor state track meet held Friday. Freshman Ema Simpson competed in the 200 meters and senior Mitchel Myers finished third in shot put.
Bement
Workers from MasterBrand Cabinets in Arthur visited and told students about their jobs and an increasing need for workers.
— Emily Parrish
BHRA
Maci Long received an invitation from state Rep. Mike Marron to speak on House Resolution 52 before the Mental Health and Addiction Committee in Springfield. The bill aims to provide more mental health support in school systems and allow better access for students to receive counseling. Marron was inspired to create the resolution after speaking with Long at the Vermilion County Youth Leadership Conference where she strongly advocated for mental health resources. Long was encouraged by her dual U.S. history teacher, Jennifer Guminksi, to take accept this invitation. The resolution was passed in the committee and will soon be introduced to the House floor for a full vote.
— Cody Drake
Blue Ridge
The art program hosted its annual "Fine Arts Expo," showcasing work from each of the classes. Students and their families were invited to see the art and vote for their favorite pieces. The high school band also played at the expo.
— Cadin Dozier
Centennial
With a score of 3,400, the host Chargers won last weekend's Illinois state archery tournament title, played in Champaign for the first time. Champaign Central placed second, followed by East Dubuque and Centennial's No. 2 team. Meanwhile, Champaign Edison won the middle school state title with a score of 3,332. Jefferson was second and Franklin fourth. In the elementary division, Champaign Next Generation was second, Armstrong-Potomac third, St. John's Lutheran fourth and Schlarman Academy fifth.
Cerro Gordo
At last Thursday's annual Students vs. Staff basketball game, staff won for the first time in the six-year run of the tournament. However, what made this game especially special was the surprise return of retired teacher Rex Colgrove. More than $800 was raised to be donated to charitable organizations.
— Hannah Copeland
Champaign Central
Rehearsals for "The Little Mermaid" are in full swing. Drama department plans on having the show run from April 12-16. Pictured: The cast rehearsing Daughters of Triton with Ariel's sisters being played by Cecil Bell, Sierra Smith, Alex Curry, Alice Bell, Adsen Tarr and Allison Williams; Eric Lim as Sebastian singing Under the Sea with Kelly Hong as Ariel (in black).
— Janani Pattabi
Chrisman
Morgan Simpson, Michael Mueller and Izzy Barrett competed at the Public Speaking Contest at Paris High School. Mueller placed second to advance to district in April.
— Reese Anderson
Cissna Park
Recent Cissna Park Timberwolf Leaders of the Pack were recognized. There are many ways to earn the award: be respectful with a kind attitude, contribute to the community, do the right thing, generosity, have a consistent forward motion in school, have talent/interest outside of school, and more! Congratulations to the following students: Regan King (February), Gwen Chatterton (January), Tricia Karas (December), Addison Wachtor (November), Caleb Walder (October).
— Mikayla Knake
Danville
English teacher Alyssa Staley attended the Illinois Reading Council Conference in Springfield where she the opportunity to meet many authors. Staley's students have been fond of author Tiffany D. Jackson, who was present at the conference. Jackson kindly sent students signed copies of a few of her books. Seniors Tristan Populous and Aniyah Davis received personalized copies of "Let Me Hear a Rhyme." This book specifically is in production to be released as a TV series on Peacock by rapper 50 Cent's production company. Senior Calea Maze received an autographed copy of "Grown." This book is a perfect match since Maze was reading itk in Staley's Minority Literature class. Maze is also a mentor to younger female students and encourages them in making nutritious choices and how to be body positive — a theme that is connected to the book.
— Josie Hotsinpiller
DeLand-Weldon
Friday's activity day, held to kick off the start of spring break, was filled with games, karaoke, hot sauce challenges and Kona Ice snow cones for all students. Pictured: Eli Woolridge and Sean Snook.
— Abigail Trimble
Fisher
The FFA chapter had its yearly petting zoo last week. Students brought their own animals or tractors that grade school and high schoolers were able to learn about.
— Emma McFarling
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
The baseball Team hit the sunshine and sandy shores of Myrtle Beach, S.C., over spring break, competing in a tournament against teams from across the nation.
— Katie Steidinger
Heritage
Students Cohen Sands, Dillon Woodmansee and Zach Ruwe presented projects they made in Scott Gerard's Industrial Technology class to Principal Cory White. The students used Fusion 360 modeling program, and then a Crossfire Pro CNC plasma cutter on 14 gauge sheet metal. Their work will be displayed at various locations throughout the school.
— Katelyn Learned
Hoopeston Area
Brielle Crose competed at last weekend's Top Times indoor state track and field meet, placing fourth in the 60-meter dash.
— Emma Rayls
Judah Christian
During lunch on Friday, students took part in karaoke to end the week on a good note. They sang the classics and even some original songs. Pictured (courtesy Hannah Jackson): Julian Llano, Grant Ipsen, Caleb McCullough, Talon Fazio, Graham Dyson, Josh Huch and Judah Ruhlig
— Bethany Jackson
LeRoy
To wrap up March Kidney Awareness Month, the school's LIFE Program had a celebration in honor of Nathan Koester-Moody, a LIFE student before losing his battle to kidney disease in October 2022. LeRoy used to do a "Celebration Cart" for teachers to enjoy throughout the school day, and Koester-Moody was a crucial part of this. On Friday, the cart was brought back in his honor.
— Lily Monigold
Mahomet-Seymour
The school's Principals Advisory Council Cabinet Team met to prepare for the upcoming Principal's Advisory Council meeting. They discussed topics they believe are of importance and also voted on murals to put in the staircases at the high school. Several students submitted artwork to be entered into the pool of drawings that were able to be chosen from, and the cabinet team got to pick their favorites. The goal of this project: spread kindness throughout the stairways, where the winning artists will have the chance to paint their murals. Pictured: Arianna Thompson (left) and Julia Schultz; and Madison Ade.
— Maddie Grindley
Milford
The theater department took to the stage on March 18-19 to preform "Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr." A special performance of the musical was shown to Milford Grade School students on March 17.
— Maddie Hardwick
Monticello
Laura McCleary's foods and nutrition class put what they learned to the test in the kitchen, showing off their cooking skills. Pictured: Joey VanVleet and Sydney Dunham; Alice Swanson, Bailee Wierman and Ruby McHale.
— Will Ross
Paxton-Buckley-Loda
The high school band, under the direction of Timothy Hess, traveled to New Orleans over spring break. They marched in a Mardi Gras parade, visited museums and performed at many beautiful locations. The travel party included 58 students and 18 adults.
"I want the students to experience real culture. Many groups travel to Disney, and while that may be a great experience, it is a manufactured one. I want to immerse the students in one of the most diverse and historical places in America," Hess said.;
"My mission is to share the talents of the Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School Band with a larger audience. What better place than one of the 'original' music centers of America. To accomplish the mission the band prepared a variety of musical styles for the tour. From the patriotic music at the National WWII museum, to our very own Mardi Gras Parade in the French Quarter playing traditional dixieland music, our sound is unique to our band."
— Kate Wilson
St. Joseph-Ogden
Kat Short signed her national letter of intent to play softball at Danville Area Community Pictured: Alyssa Acton, Peyton Jones, Kat Short, Shayne Immke, Morgan Cramer and Sophie Siemsen. (photos courtesy Tammy Frick).
— Alyssa Acton
St. Thomas More
Back from spring break, students continued to get out and about. Last Tuesday, a group participated in the March for Life in Springfield. On Friday, students from various art classes bused to downtown Chicago to view public art, visit the Chicago Cultural Center, and tour The Art Institute of Chicago. Another group comprised of Spanish students went to a new Mexican bakery in Urbana, Panaderia San Miguel, and to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and watched "Cenicienta: A Bilingual Cinderella Story."
— Jose Andino Guerra
Salt Fork
Congratulations to Andrew Johnson, named by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association as District 13 Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.
— Macie Russell
Shiloh
Jr. Beta members attended the Illinois Junior Beta convention in Springfield and competed in several events against other schools. A first-time participant, the group was led by president Alison Cashtook and vice president Ahylssa Garwood — both eighth-graders — and took part in different categories such as musicology and quiz bowl. Pictured (courtesy Julia North), left to right: (front row) Emma Elston, Adelynn Tyler, Callie Duzan and Evelyn Myers; (back row) Avery Grise, Wyatt McClain, Chloe Thompson, Tayler Hepburn, Cash, Garwood and Kaylynn Key.
— Lydia Richardson
Tuscola
Miss Tuscola and Key Club President Reggan Smith helped out by thawing fish for the Fish Fry hosted by Kiwanis at Forty Martyrs Catholic Church.
— Grant Kauffman
Unity
At last weekend's Illinois Top Times Indoor Championships, the girls' track and field team earned nine medals, including third place in the 4x800, 11th in the 4x400 and fourth place in the 4x200, breaking the school record (pictured: Kayla Nelson, Lauren Miller, Emma Swisher and Bri Ritchie). Additionally, Erica Woodard (pictured) was sixth in the 3,200 and 14th in the 1,600; Ashlyn Denney was 14th in the 400; and Ritchie was ninth in the 60 hurdles. Also, the 4x200 boys' team finished third (pictured: Brock Schlittler, Garrett Richardson, Jay Saunders and Eric Miebach) and Garrett Richardson was eighth in the 200.
— Jolie Meyer
Urbana
Choir hosted a talent show to raise money for a trip to Disney. Several students demonstrated their abilities and hidden talents. The talent show was filled with student performances, as well as teachers, clubs and friends. Pictured: Junior Maya Moore performs a dance to Nicki Minaj's "Starships," with backup from staff and students; hosts V. Bechtel and Ivy Santeler.
— Jennifer Arriaga-Lopez
Villa Grove
Wanting students to be more productive and engaged in study hall, Principal Sara Jones and others introduced a school-wide club initiative. The goal: help students connect with peers who share common interests and revitalize student and teacher engagement in school interest groups. Club time will continue to progress and evolve next year.
— Emma Bratten-Noice
