2024-25 High School Confidential: Week 3

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Welcome to Year 9 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

Entomology module students collected bugs for their insect collections. The class practiced pinning techniques for their bugs and identified the different families and orders of the insects. Students practice drawing and recording the insect data. Pictured: Hannah Walker.

— Maegan Frye

ALAH

Keeping a tradition alive, the Knights hosted their annual 'Dig Pink' volleyball match. Before the game, the Knights recognized those who have fought or are currently fighting breast cancer and gave them a pink carnation to remind them they are not alone. The Knights took on Tri-County and came out with the victory.

— Addison Yeakel

Arcola

Last week’s annual powderpuff game matched a team of underclassmen against seniors, who won a hard-fought affair, 36-20. Powderpuff is a highlight of Homecoming Week. Following the game, students had a bonfire to celebrate.

— Stephanie Garza

Argenta-Oreana

Homecoming Week was a blast, students participating in dress-up days, banner designing, powderpuff football, powderpuff volleyball and many more games. A beautiful homecoming parade on Friday highlighted the community before the football team took home their first win of the season against Tri-County. Named WAND’s “Play Of The Week,” Tyson Oros intercepted a pass and handed it off to teammate Damian Gude, who took it 98 yards for a touchdown to help the Bombers roll 36-6.

— Gabby Laskowski

Armstrong

The girls’ golf team finished their season last week. The Trojans had never had a golf team before — nonetheless a girls’ and boys’ team. All three girls who went out had never golfed seriously before but absolutely love the sport and can’t wait to continue next year. Pictured: Katelyn Wilken, Chelsea Suits, Ryah Peters and coach Cami Saltsgaver.

— Tierney Moran

Bement

Homecoming court was announced last week with group pictures on Tuesday. Students also voted electronically for the first time this year. Pictured: (back row) Max Wilson, Cliff Strack, Ian Glennon and Brayden Strack; (front row) Tierra Taylor, Kylie Ross, Gabby Block and Marley Olsen; and kindergarten attendants Wyatt Ennis and Gwendolyn Turner.

— Gabby Block

BHRA

During Homecoming Week, a court consisting of 18 students was announced: 12 seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen. The senior attendants included: Anderson Thomas, Chaz Dubois, Eli McConkey, Evan Parish, Grahm Abbed, Mason Chowning, Ava Acton, Addisen Hensold, Dracey Nelson, Emma Pasquale, Macey Gernand and Morgan Potter. The junior, sophomore and freshman court members were Cruz Dubois and Lillian Spalding, Clark Warren and Annistyn Thomas and Eli Cole and Adalyn Stinson. King and queen were declared at a ceremony later in the week and crowned by former homecoming queen Madeline Thorlton: Acton and Thomas.

— Sydney Creason

Blue Ridge

The cheer team has been working with elementary students to learn cheers. On Friday, the younger girls got to cheer with the high school team at the football game. It was a fun night for everyone, and the little girls showed what they have learned.

— Carsyn Stiger

Centennial

School Resource Officer Kelly Walton collaborated with University of Illinois police to bring over Huff, a K-9 emotional support dog. Huff was a hit: cool, calm and collected. Last weekend, the Charger Chamber Orchestra played at the farmers' market, serenading shoppers with their beautiful music.

— Allison Hemming

Cerro Gordo

Friday's 'Field Day' was in celebration of homecoming and included games such as sack races, dodge ball and powderpuff football. The games were scheduled to take place outside but were forced inside due to rain. For the first time, seniors ended up taking the crown on 'Field Day.' Pictured (left to right): seniors Peyton Lents, Eli Brunner, Carter Moore and Tyler Barnes; and senior Jacen Helm held up by classmates Coleton Barger, Brenden Puckett and Michael Freese to cheer on the girls in their powderpuff football game.

— Peyton Lents

Champaign Central

At Friday’s football game against Danville, Central's dance team was accompanied by this year's Mini Maroons. Coached by Illyana Lopez, the dancers teach a routine to children from across the community, who then join the team in performing at the halftime show. The Mini Maroons will return in December with another routine to be performed at a varsity basketball game.

— Charlotte Heads

Chrisman

This year, social studies teacher Bridget Spillman began offering a German class. Many students were eager to have another choice in foreign language classes, and Spillman has put her heart into making the course engaging and exciting. On Friday, students in German 1 class dove into the history of Oktoberfest and its culture. Though they were not clad with lederhosen, students got to make pretzels and Apfelschorle, which is sparkling apple juice.

— Grayson Strange

Cissna Park

At the annual Yearbook Week, students participated in various Spirit Week days, including "Disney vs. Marvel Day," "Hawaiian Day" and "Pajama Day." At Friday’s Yearbook Games, classes competed against each other in various activities, including a rock-paper-scissors competition, a version of musical chairs with hula-hoops and a fun game where students had to run and slide on an air mattress to get it across the gym. The juniors won many of the competitions, but overall, it was a competitive and fun time for everyone.

— Julia Edelman

Danville

To help juniors and seniors find a college, the school took the enthusiastic teens to Illinois State University. They explored campus, the Multi-Culture Center and the Student Plaza. The tour inspired students like Ginysia Vander-Austin to apply to Illinois State when she graduates. Photos courtesy Vander-Austin.

— Nadia Gamble

Fisher

It was Homecoming Week, and everything was leading up to the big game. After the football team secured its first win of the season, the Bunnies kept it rolling for another victory Friday night against Fieldcrest and ended the game — as always — with Bunnie Jacks.

— Emma Jent

Georgetown-Ridge Farm

Football players and senior cheerleader visited the elementary school to greet kids with high-fives and a smile. The younger kids absolutely enjoyed it, and so did their parents.

— Jaiden Stelzer

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley

Two individuals place at their postseason golf match: Carter Eichelberger and Lily Sizemore. FFA underclassmen went on a trip to the University of Illinois Greenland Conference, where they got to meet many different people, starting their journey for the rest of their high school career. Finally, a group of junior and senior class officers attended a workshop in Pontiac.

— Anna Warren

Heritage

Juniors and seniors took a college visit to Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington. They toured campus and had a great time.

— Madisyn Wilson

Hoopeston Area

On Saturday, the Marching Cornjerkers had their second competition of the school year in Danville. They were among six other 2A area schools and 15 schools total and were led by drum major Taylor Page. They had a successful day as they secured third place following a third-place finish at Washington. Photo courtesy Amy Page.

— Macy Warner

Iroquois West

FFA members are making their mark. On Wednesday, 11 members traveled to neighboring Clifton to compete in soil judging. Iroquois West finished first competing against six schools, with sophomore Drew Talbert taking first overall. Pictured, left to right: Ben Schleef, Garret Tammen, Logan Wagner, Landen Kraft, Drew Talbert, Alivia Albrecht, Owen Pree, Clare Wagner, Beau Howe, Chloe Wagner and Peyton Howe.

— Traeh Kissack

Judah Christian

During last week’s chapel, 10 students were inducted into National Honor Society. As part of the ceremony, five juniors (Jackson Dalbey, Kisandra Fazio, Sara Ingersoll, Kenzie Jackson and Dominic Mortenson) and five seniors (Braden Laird, Max Li, Gloria Okeke, Lydia Tian and Linda Zhang) participated in a candle-lighting tradition. Photos courtesy Jackson, Melissa Welch and Li.

— Maggie Newell

Le Roy

The marching band went to Effingham for last weekend’s competition. Their theme this year is 1980s rom-com, and they played “Don’t you Forget About Me,” “Walking On Sunshine” and “Holiday Road.” The Panthers placed third overall, the first time the band has placed since 2019. The band is directed by Bridgette Wells, and drum major is Colin Dunafin.

— Molly Scheuer

Mahomet-Seymour

Junior Camden Wood and a cat he is dissecting in Jeremy Davis's anatomy class. Students enjoy this lab every year.

— Brooklyn Dyer

Milford

On Friday, cheerleaders had kindergarten through fourth-grade students get involved in the football game against Unity Christian. Throughout the week, the mini cheerleaders learned cheers and a halftime dance that performed in Milford’s 70-28 win. The high school cheerleaders who helped make this happen included Sydnee Longest, Charity Garcia, Joie Girdler, Janelle Parker, Brycea Brown, Molly Coffey, Anna Mann, Jalynn Shelton, Sydney Seyfert, Cabery Brown and Brinlynn Gredy — along with cheer coach Brandy Laffoon.

— Kami Muehling

Monticello

On the mornings after a Friday night varsity game, the Monticello football team takes the field once again. This time not to take on another opponent in a battle of strength and strategy, but to give back to the community. This year marks the 11th year of the team's flag football program, open to kindergartners through fourth-graders who are divided into teams and coached by the high school players. Every Saturday, they are led through a drill circuit before playing another team and ending the morning with a doughnut. The program has continued to grow in success and numbers, with a record-breaking 149 participants this year. Pictured: coaches Jake Motsegood (58), Nate Darnell (75), Connor Himes (95), Landon Carlisle (78) and Carter Foran (6).

— Megan Allen

Oakland

National Honor Society students helped out during "Grandparents Day" on Friday. Elementary students invited their grandparents to school for a breakfast, where high school students served breakfast, collected trash and helped set up and tear down. Students who helped: Caden Logan, Sarah Thorman, Eian Knoebel and Kyndall Sanders, as well as NHS adviser Sabrina Kile.

— Carleigh Clifton

Oakwood

Each year, student council organizes “Comet Fest,” where classes compete against each other for bragging rights. Each class also designs a shirt corresponding to their class color and builds a float. This year’s activities were volleyball, tug-of-war, speed dodgeball, musical chairs and a lip-sync battle. This year, the seniors took home the win.

— Samantha Dunavan

Paxton-Buckley-Loda

At Friday’s football game, a 50/50 raffle was held to help support PBL sixth-grader Jaxen Peacock. He recently received a double lung transplant. Funds raised went to his family to help pay for transplant expenses.

— Charley Ulrich

Rantoul

Homecoming was celebrated with a Spirit Week highlighted by Wednesday’s "Backpack Day" as students bought things such as shopping carts and totes. School spirit was on display Friday with a pep rally and a homecoming parade where the feeder schools joined the Marching Eagles. On Saturday night, there was a fun-filled dance in the gym with an excellent DJ.

— Cooper Anderson

St. Joseph-Ogden

The girls’ tennis team honored nine seniors at a match against Watseka on Oct. 1. The night was made special by giving each girl flowers and a gift bag. The graduate, left to right: Sara Kearney, Arely Castro, Audrey Beniot, Olivia Getty, Madison Clampitt, Ella Dietiker, Makennah Hamilton and Sonia Patel. Not pictured: Merial Yeager.

— Olivia Getty

St. Thomas More

Last week was great for student-athletes. Starting off, Keagan Markun was named Chambana Today’s Athlete of the Week for her work on the course and commitment to raising donations off the course. Next was Addie Kerr becoming WCIA’s Athlete of the Week, reaching 1,000 volleyball career assists. Last but not least was Marty Devaney (nine receptions and four touchdowns in a football game) and Shannan Monahan (1,000 volleyball career kills) being named Country Financial’s boy and girl athletes of the month.

— Will Devocelle

Salt Fork

Seniors won "Games Day" and the overall points during Homecoming Week. The student body also crowned homecoming queen and king — Brenna Boyd and Kamdyn Keller — along with this year’s homecoming attendants and court.

— Alexa Jamison

Schlarman

Volleyball kicked off October with their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser. The team wears pink jerseys and ribbons for the entire month, then host a "Pink Out" match where fans also wear pink. This year’s "Pink Out" is Oct. 24.

— Evy Kelsey

Shiloh

The Tri-County Titan football players from Shiloh have been making going to school a little bit more fun for elementary students within the past weeks. Before school starts each home game Friday, football players have been high-fiving elementary students as they walk in. Students have been enjoying engaging with the high school student-athletes. For all games, football players show pride by wearing their jerseys, as well as the cheerleaders. Pictured, left to right: freshman Joe Hendricks, senior Andy Houlihan, senior Garrett Pollock, senior Taran Borntreger, senior Jimmy Dillon and senior Jack Houlihan.

— Lydia Richardson

Sullivan

Homecoming Week started with a Mr. Redskin competition. Then, Ivan Moxley and Kya Allen were named king and queen during Friday’s homecoming game.

— Isabel Donovan

Tuscola

A great Homecoming Week included a "Construction Spirit Day," which called for an ironman volleyball tournament, with the seniors coming out on top. The seniors also pulled out a win against juniors in their powderpuff game. Strong contributors in both events include Ayla Deleva, Ava Rauguth, Kam Sweetnam and Sawyer Woodard. Homecoming Week was jam-packed full of fun events. The cheer team provided incredible entertainment for our pep rally, led by seniors Rylie Vanausdoll and Kenna Clodfelder.

— Olivia Wallace

Uni High

The fall play “You Can't Take It With You” performed last week to great success. Leyla Cohen played Penny, a struggling playwright, while Ellix Simons played her husband, Paul, an eccentric inventor. Pictured in the final scene (clockwise from top): Elisabeth Elliott, Ellix Simons, Harmony Lehman, Amanda Pate, Daniels Virginia Reyes-Perez, Jacque Butts and Leyla Cohen. Photos by Cecilia Calfas.

— Ivy​ Pullen-Heuman

Unity

Students voted on homecoming court, which will be honored in the parade on Friday. At the football game that night, the queen candidates will be introduced and escorted across the track by their fathers. On Saturday, coronation will be held prior to the homecoming dance, where a king and queen will be crowned.

Freshman attendants: Ava Sommer and Caden Rogers.

Sophomore attendants: Kendal Zerrusen and Adam Reedy.

Junior attendants: Annalise Shunk and Crewe Eckstein.

Senior alternates: Paige Brewer and Gavin Weaver.

Queen candidates: Lindy Bates, Estella Dodd, Lauren Haas, Lauren Shaw and Avery Watson.

King Candidates: Emmerson Bailey, Brady Parr, Korben Ray, Garrett Richardson and Nolan Wishall.

Pictured: (back row left to right) Crewe Eckstein, Gavin Weaver, Emmerson Bailey, Korben Ray, Garrett Richardson, Brady Parr, Nolan Wishall, Adam Reedy and Caden Rogers; and (front row left to right) Annalise Shunk, Paige Brewer, Estella Dodd, Lauren Shaw, Lauren Haas, Lindy Bates, Avery Watson, Kendal Zerrusen and Ava Sommer.

— Avery Watson

Urbana

Last Wednesday, the PTSA and College and Career Center hosted a Career Day for students interested in various career fields such as veterinarian, real estate, law enforcement, agriculture, culinary, plumbing and heating, U.S. Army and Navy, cosmetology, accounting and librarian. There was a decent turnout as students caught a glimpse of what could be their future. Pictured: Andrew Cajavilca, August Grantham and Kelby Schroeder; Cayden Lawani; and Pablo Nardie.

— Danyla Nash

Villa Grove

Biology 1 students are learning about the immune system in Linda Werts’ class. In order to learn new information while also having fun, students were instructed to build a castle to represent the immune system. The moat and walls of the castle act as protectors, just like the body's walls and mucus membranes. Pictured: Logan Hauersperger and Owen Kneer with their project.

— Kirstyn Jones

Watseka

Even though some of them might not be able to vote yet, teens from Watseka had the opportunity to show leadership last week. On Oct. 2, state Sen. Tom Bennett held his final Youth Advisory Council assembly of his career. Six representatives from Watseka met with student leaders from 14 other high schools in the 53rd Illinois District, listening to inspiring presentations from state leaders, including state Rep. Jason Bunting and Bennett. Thought-provoking discussions were made while the students had 30 minutes to brainstorm, create and present bills with their colleagues from neighboring schools. Sarah Parsons, Taylor Bright, Megan Martin, Madison Hughes, Maya Machev and Quinn Starkey will travel to Springfield with the group in the spring.

— Maya Machev

Westville

Last Thursday, guest speaker Nathan Harmon visited the high school to discuss his "Recovery Journey." Westville, Georgetown-Ridge Farm, Salt Fork and Oakwood high schools joined to listen to Harmon's riveting presentation: Pressure can bust pipes or make diamonds, and mental health matters. Thanks to Harmon, Jim Russell and the Vermilion County Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) Council for providing the program to the Vermilion County schools.

— Olivia Troglia