The award-Winning Student Newspaper of Illinois valley Community College
volume 57
Issue 9
april 6, 2023
news: no tuition increase
SGa candidates
womens history month
pages 2-7
opinion: tiktok ban conspiracy
Page 9
arts: ‘prom
syrian art exhibit
Page 10
iv leader photo/elisabeth farrellThe Illinois Valley Community College is reopening a tradition known as Scifest on April 21, 2023 at 7-9 p.m. in the IVCC gym, after a three year hiatus due to COVID.
The crowd-favorite event which had been suppressed by the pandemic is making a grandiose return this spring.It is an event for kids as well as the adults.
Scifest will take place in the IVCC gymnasium directly in front of the college, and will feature interesting activities and experiments that involve all the sciences, minus the headaches. These science activities include chemistry, biology, geology, and physics.
IVCC Chem/Stem advisor Dr. Matt Johll is ecstatic for the return of the much anticipated event.
Johll will be involved in organizing Scifest, as well as assisting and participating in multiple different experiments and activities.
There is more to the fest than science, however, as students in the Stem/Chem Club help to organize the event, and learn many important things outside of science. According to Johll, the students get to experience and observe what goes into organizing public events.
“Scifest this year will feature an inflatable planetarium, an imploding barrel, and NASA-collected Lunar Moon Samples,” said Johll. “The samples were collected over the course of multiple Lunar missions!”
The event is known to happen on the third Friday
of April, as the almost 60 year tradition is resurrected for the spring of 2023. On a slow year there can be hundreds of aspiring scientific minds ready to indulge in the over 60 experiments and activities at Scifest.
Participants can expect their night to be filled with fun as well as learning.
Johll claims that there will not only be entertainment for children, but more intense experiments that volunteers can take part in.
One experiment, Johll’s personal favorite, is the imploding barrel. The experiment involves an implosion, is all the advisor shared.
Richard L. Ault, chemistry instructor, is excited to see the return of Scifest as well. When asked about his favorite experiment, he implied that the finale was the best part.
“Just wait until you see Dr. Johll’s signature experiment,” he said.
The finale at Scifest will feature Johll putting physics to the test, and himself in the face of danger!
Come to Scifest on April 21 to find out what happens to Johll.
Tuition at IVCC has been the same for the past six years and will not be increasing in the 2023-2024 academic year, after the Board of Trustees decided in March to keep tuition prices the same.
According to IVCC President Jerry Corcoran, the Board of Trustees did decide to increase the technology fee by $1.40 and the student activities fee by 60 cents per credit hour beginning in summer of 2023.
Matt Seaton, IVCC Chief Financial Officer, said tuition was not increased was in hopes of increasing enrollment for the upcoming years. Since enrollment has been rebounding since the pandemic, the school does not want students to decide
not to enroll because tuition prices have made education out of their financial reach.
“The reason for the technology and the student activity fees are to directly provide the support that the school gives to the students,” said Seaton.
He added, “The student activity fee supports all clubs and sports and hasn’t been increased in over a decade.”
Seaton explained the expansion of remote learning requires a technology fee increase to optimize the student’s online experience.
A student who is taking 12 hours per semester will have an increase of about $24 in the upcoming fall semester of 2023 due to the fee increases.
School officials noted
that for students who receive Financial Aid and MAP grants, those awards should cover the increase in costs. In fact, students who receive these awards usually have their whole tuition covered and additional money can be used for gas, books, and other school costs.
For the upcoming fall semester with the combined tuition and the universal fee at $135, a student enrolled in 24 hours will pay about $3,240 over the fall and spring semesters.
IVCC ranks 8th out of 10 for tuition prices in their peer group, according to Seaton.
Below are the tuition comparitive costs of community colleges in the state of Illinois.
by Ryan Nolasco IV Leader Assistant Editor
Childcare is something that can be very hard to find for parents of young children.
Raising a child and working at the same time can be quite hectic, but when these parents are also students, it becomes even more difficult.
IVCC is well aware of this fact. Last fall, the school opened up a daycare for the children of students. Known as the Watch Center, it is managed by the Peru YMCA. Located in room CTC-206, the center is full of color and toys for children.
Several Watch Center workers were available for comment. The three of them shared a similar sentiment about the development of the center in the last year.
It seemed that not many people were aware of its existence, but according to Dayana, a worker at the center, “This semester, it kind of blew up.”
The Watch Center has in fact seen an increase in use. According to the three workers, a big part in how the center gets new patronage is the spreading of the word about their services.
The YMCA in Peru has posters advertising the Watch Center.
Laura, another worker at the center, stated that, “Teachers make a point to hand out pamphlets,” which appears to be one of prominent ways that people find out about the Watch Center.
The workers stated that a majority of the people who use the Watch Center’s services are single parents and stay at home moms. This way, whether they’re working in classes or running errands, the center’s patrons have a way to ensure their
children are in a healthy and happy environment.
IVCC and local elementary schools’ breaks (such as spring break) don’t line up, meaning that when the children would normally be in school while their parents are working, running errands, or doing their own classes, they would need someone to watch them. Luckily, the Watch Center remains open for this exact reason.
When it’s not a busy period like a school break, Watch Center attendant Josee says that the center’s normal amount of business just “depends on the day.”
Maya Ahlstrom manages the program at IVCC.
“We try to make the registration process as painless as possible,” she said. “Knowing childcare needs can change at any time, we keep our registration packets on hand in the room. The packet asks simple questions for the safety of the child.”
According to Ahlstrom, the Watch Center is entirely free to use for all students.
The staff at the center also receive specialized training,
Alhstrom said, “Our staff completes trainings through IDHS to maintain our license exemption. Through these trainings they learn a variety of ways to handle any child.”
When asked about any plans to expand, Alhstrom said there aren’t any specific plans in motion.
“However,” she said, “as this is our first year, we are very open to implementing new strategies and getting any furniture/equipment that may better service any that come in the future.”
Ahlstrom also gave a general overview of the
center.
“The center typically sees 3-5 years old. Our rule of thumb is kids have to be 3 years old or completely toilet trained.
“The creation of the room was a general idea when I was hired in June. With the help of Matt Seaton at IVCC, the college provided the funding needed to purchase supplies. The college has been a great partner and I am excited to see how the room develops.
“This was our first year of operation, so our main priority is to perfect this room and grow it prior to expanding. However, IVCC has been helpful as they include us in many job fairs,” Ahlstrom said in closing.
The Watch Center is an important resource for anyone who may need it. Whether you’re interested in the childcare field or needing to use the services offered by the center, stop by CTC-206 and talk to the friendly staff.
The MIMIC fair, an annu al IVCC event for 28 years, will premiere on April 19 in CTC-124. The theme is open house.
“Twenty-eight years ago a few instructors got to gether to help give students something they hadn’t had before,” said Dorene Data, one of MIMIC’s original founders.
What started out as a small idea has had made a lasting impact, as so many years later the MIMIC fair is as still going strong.
The program has received awards for its work, includ ing two national science foundation grants with one being half a million dollars and the other being a quarter of a million dollars. Accord ing to Data, this helped grow the program expeditiously.
Data described what the layout of the fair in relation to its theme, “Open House.”
“There will be several different stations you will stop at,” Data explained. “You go through a kitchen, a garage, an office, and then outside.”
The products that students have designed for the last semester will be for sale at the fair. Items include a pizza cutter, keychains, and car accessories for the inside of your car.
Data said students should attend the MIMIC fair because it’s fun and you can see “what other students are doing in different disciplines.”
“Teachers in CTC are referred to as “workforce development,” Data stated as a final remark. “We train students to go out and help locals or go out and see what other students are doing.”
Editor: Elisabeth Farrell
Assistant: Ryan Nolasco
Staff:
Drake Weber, Julian Godina, Eric Lockwood, John Cheli, Mia Mazzorana, Noah Simon, Logan Bland, Erin Brooker, Kendra Martin, Natalie Neal, Macy Anderson, Bonnie Hall.
IV Leader, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, is published monthly by students of Illinois Valley Community College. Editorials and columns express opinions of student and staff members and do not necessar-ily express the views of IVCC, the adminis-tration or the Board. Editorial opinions are those a student editorial board.
Letters to the editor must be signed and should be addressed to the IV Leader Office B-316, IVCC, 815 N. Orlando Smith Rd., Oglesby, IL 61348-9691.
www.ivleader.com
Read the IV Leader online, meet the staff, apply for a staff position, and explore the newspaper’s long, distinguished history online.
IV Leader is a member of Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois Commu-nity College Journal-ism Association.
Sack, 25, lives in Walnut and graduated from Hall High School. He is majoring in Accounting.
REASON FOR RUNNING?
I am seeking a presidential office to represent my community whereby I will use my billingual skills and diverse background to make changes to positively impact our learning community.
ELECTION GOALS?
I will build an interactive community calendar to increase student engagement in academic, social, and commnity events.
From Princeton, Bates, 19, is a graduate of Princeton High School. She is majoring in Secondary Education - Mathematics.
REASON FOR RUNNING?
I am seeking office to be a voice for the student body, and I want to be a part of improving student opportunities and activities.
My goal is to improve student life at IVCC and create more options for students to participate in.
From Lasalle, Fesperman is 17 and majoring in Social Studies. He graduated from St. Bede Academy. I wish to serve the student body and bring my eperience to student government.
REASON FOR RUNNING? ELECTION GOALS?
I seek to better the college experience for all students by listening to their concerns and bringing them to the SFA. I believe in IVCC and wish it to be an inclusive and welcoming space for all people. I pledge to be open and willing to listen to all students.
From Princeton and majoring in Foreign Language (Spanish), Knipper, 19, is a graduate of Princeton High School.
I am seeking the office of Vice President because I believe the IVCC SGA needs strong leaders who are willing to step up to get things done. I also believe I would be a good representative for students by voicing their opinions to the IVCC administration.
From Princeton, Boyles is 18 and a graduate of Princeton High School. She is majoring in Finance.
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday
OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS
Firstly, ensuring the student body is heard and knows how to get their voice heard. As most students attend IVCC for two years, they often do not know how to make a change, suggest an idea, or even run for a position in Student Government. My goal is to inform students on how to do these things. Second, I want to focus on is to offer more student activities to make the college atmosphere more welcoming. This might include tournaments, games, debates, etc.
I am already an active participant in Student Government on the Freshman Programming Board. I enjoy getting the opportunity to be a voice for the students. I am running in hopes to further my participation by sitting in on monthly board meetings and being an even bigger voice for the students in front of the Board of Trustees. I feel that being an active participant as Student Trustee will give our entire SGA, therefore the entire student body, the opportunity to be informed all around.
My goal is to stay active in all meetings as an advocate for the student body. I will continue to seek the opinions of my peers and help bring light to even the littlest things at the college that could make for positive changes for the students.
In honor of Women's History Month, Amanda Cook Fesperman, political science and history instructor at IVCC, hosted a Brown Bag Presentation titled, “The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in WWII: Special Focus on the All-Black WAAC 6888th."
According to Cook Fesperman, the all-Black 6888th unit of the WAAC was given an impossible task in the United Kingdom
After their motion-sickness filled voyage, during which their boat was chased by a German U-Boat, the 6888th arrived at their housing in England.
"It's an abandoned school," Cook Fesperman stated. "It's not being used because of the war. It has no hot water, it has no functioning electricity... it's leaky, it's damp."
Next came the difficult task assigned to the 6888th, which they were given six months to complete.
"Some people believe that they picked the Black women because they thought that they would fail," Cook Fesperman explained.
"They were set up to deal with two years of backlogged mail sitting in six hangers in England that they had to try to sort through and figure out how to deliver."
The unit worked day and night, dealing with rats and cockroaches, and trying to figure out whom each letter should be delivered to. Cook Fesperman mentioned some letters were addressed as vaguely as "Johnny, in England."
"They took six hangers full of mail, they sorted it, and they delivered it correctly within three months, and people were stunned."
The 6888th was then sent to France, where they had to repeat the process with three years’ worth of mail. Once again, they completed their assignment.
"It was really an amazing time for these women because they got the opportunity to not only prove
On March 31, Aiden Ethington, former Alum and trans activist, spoke on the issues affecting transgender people for International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Transgender Day of Visibility started in 2009 as a movement to celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender people around the world.
In light of recent legislation passed around the United States that negatively affects transgender people, Ethington’s presentation focused mostly on these issues, as well as some of his own experiences.
This year has seen unprecedented amounts anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced around the country, with 380 bills introduced this year alone.
In comparison, there were around 300 bills of this nature introduced in 2022.
These bills range from bans and restrictions on drag, healthcare, gender-affirming care, school curriculums, participation in sports, and public accommodations.
Ethington used himself as an example of what having access to these forms of care can do for trans people.
He told a story of going swimming after receiving top surgery and how he finally could feel comfortable in his body.
“I felt like I went swimming for the first time,” he said.
Illinois has shown itself to be a friendlier state for transgender people, as it is one of only 8 states and US provinces that has not introduced any anti-LGBTQ+ legislation this year. Despite this, the growing anti-trans messaging causes many to worry for their future.
Ethington placed importance on loving yourself in a body that is yours and having supporting friends and family. For Ethington, he finds this in his son.
“He’s my number one fan,” he said.
Ethington encourages all trans people to find joy by taking pride in finding who you are.
On Wednesday, March 29 at 2 p.m. in C-316, a panel with female professionals in the criminal justice field took place to celebrate Women’s History Month.
cer someday. My main goal was to do something to make a difference in someone’s life.”
problems.
themselves as soldiers, but to get a sense of what life was like to live in a country where you're not constantly living in fear," Cook Fesperman explained.
"A lot of African Americans didn't want to come home because [in Europe] they could go places. People didn't spit on them, and threaten to kill them, and beat them."
According to Cook Fespermen, the women of the 6888th were not given proper recognition until 2009, when they were honored during an event at Arlington National Cemetery.
Cook Fesperman also shed light on other often unrecognized women who contributed to wars throughout all of American history.
Some of these women included Margaret Corbin and Deborah Sampson, who disguised themselves as
men to fight on the front lines in the American Revolution; Clara Barton and Dorothea Dix, who were nurses during the Civil War; and Cathay Williams, the first known African American woman to enlist in the military.
An audience member in attendance also mentioned that, in World War II, women tested new planes that men felt were unsafe to fly.
To learn more about the 6888th, Cook Fespermen suggests reading Sisters in Arms, a historical fiction book about the unit, written by Kaia Alderson.
Featured speakers on the panel included Peru Police Officer Randy Lenninger, who is also IVCC’s School Resource Officer, Criminal Justice instructor Jenny Bursell, Peru Police Detective Amy Sines, and Peru Police Dispatcher Cristie Degroot.
The speakers were asked a plethora of questions, ranging from how they got their start in the criminal justice field to what their experience as a woman in that field entailed.
Female audience members interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice, were able to fain valuable perspectives and knowledge to help with their future career paths.
When the speakers were asked how they knew they wanted to be in the criminal justice field, the most common theme in their answers was wanting to help people and their community.
Officer Lenninger responded by stating, “As a little kid, I decided I was going to be a police offi-
Detective Sines replied to the question by saying, while her initial intention was to become an attorney, after taking some criminal justice classes, falling in love with the field, and especially after having an unpleasant experience with a police officer, she knew she had to rise to the challenge.
She said, “I wanted to make sure I did everything I possibly could so that it didn't happen to anyone else. I decided I’d step up and take that role.”
Later in the panel, the speakers were asked if they faced any difficulties being women in their fields. The audience in the room was very attentive and listened closely to the advice these women gave.
Instructor Bursell stated, “I feel like being female is a positive thing that the departments are looking for. We have tons of females working in the system, which wasn’t the norm 20 years ago. I think it’s a really good time for you ladies to get in the field.”
She said, however, in situations where a fight breaks out, she felt as though the men were expecting her to get them to restrain the individual when it was something she could handle on her own. Fortunately, after she proved herself, she didn’t face any
Dispatcher Degroot had a similar answer, replying, “As far as gender goes, once you establish yourself with your coworkers and they know they can count on you, I feel as though we’re at an age where we’re lucky gender doesn’t play as big of a role as it used to. The hardest thing is that you still have an older generation that looks down upon women in authoritative positions.”
Detective Sines added to this by saying, in her almost 20 years of service, she has seen that being female is a strength.
Thanks to Officer Randy Lenninger, instructor Jenny Bursell, Detective Amy Sines, and Dispatcher Cristie Degroot, female IVCC students could gather new perspectives on the profession and new information they can use to further their career paths.
“Being female is a strength.”
- Detective Amy Sines
’
Sabrina Belmonte, an IVCC sophomore, recently took the chance to explore education with IVCC’s study abroad program.
She learned the experience was a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures while gaining a sense of independence and more confidence in yourself.
Belmonte visited San Jose, Costa Rica and Florence, Italy on her trip.
While Belmonte was studying abroad, one thing she learned was that she likes to be independent and in solitude, which is something necessary for a traveler.
“Before I left, it was really scary to be by myself and have to meet new people,” she said. She learned, through traveling, however, to appreciate moments by herself.
When traveling, Belmonter was keen to post outfit updates and snapshots on her Instagram reels. Always dressed fashionably, she expresses herself through fashion with a unique experimental style. The confidence she exuded while traveling can be found on her handle,@sabrinabtheg, on Instagram.
Her social media profile was especially important, Belmonte said, when she had to quarantine for a week in Costa Rica.
Belmonte said while on the first day, it was really hard for her and she didn’t like being by herself, she used that time to be productive and focus on her goals. She focused on expressing herself and her traveling experiences online.
“When I was in Florence, Italy, I loved walking to school by myself listening to music and tuning everyone out,” Belmonte said, after asked what she liked to do
during her stay.
By doing so, Belmonte gained perspective of the countries she visited that could not be gained by being with others, as she fully immersed herself in the culture.
She stated, “Right now I feel like I could plan a trip by myself and leave the country alone. It gave me the experience, and the experience gave me confidence, and with the confidence, I feel more independent when being alone.”
It isn’t just Belmonte that feels as though studying abroad has improved her confidence and ability to be independent in new environments.
According to a blog written by Justice Sifford for isepstudyabroad.org, “There is something about successfully navigating your way through events like this that makes you a stronger and more confident person.”
This emotional takeaway from studying abroad was worth it for Belmonte, and for others who took the opportunity to learn about other cultures.
For studying abroad oppurtinities at IVCC, visit the college website or contact coordinator Amanda Cook-Fesperman at amanda_cookfesperman@ivcc.edu or call 815-224-0203.
To qualify, students need to be at least 18, have a minimum 2.75 grade point average, have completed at least 12 college credits and have passed English Composition I or II with a C. A graduating high school senior who meets the requirements could qualify.
When starting a job or occupation, retirement might seem far away; however, for IVCC English professor Jennifer Bubb that day is soon.
Bubb started working at IVCC in September of 1998. Twenty-five years later, she is retiring.
Bubb, who specializes in developmental education, takes great pride in getting to know her students.
“Part of my job is changing their mindset, being their cheerleader,” Bubb states.
When Bubb first came to IVCC, a friend influenced her to take a position in helping with writing and reading.
Working 25 years in the same place provides many memories. For Bubb, she has too many favorites to name.
One thing that stood out to her was a trip where she was able to get involved with the Sheridan prison. The culinary prisoners made desert for Bubb and the fellow teachers one day and made lunch another day.
Bubb found this trip very intriguing and eye-opening, as she gathered more gratitude for her own freedom after seeing life from an inmate’s perspective.
Bubb said she will miss the comradery of the students and fellow staff members, but not the grading.
Kirk Lockwood, a longtime colleague of Bubb's, said he appreciates how much Bubb cares about her students.
He said she is one of those teachers who can push her students “to meet high standards” while also showing “genuine care and concern for each one as an individual.”
Tina Hardy, another long-time colleague, provided her insight on working with Bubb.
“Today was the last time I'll ever pair up with her to try to reach out to students - our last joint hurrah. It brings me to tears because I know I will be losing an ally, a friend, and a person who understands struggling learners like no other.
“IVCC will also be losing a remarkable teacher. Lots of instructors have helped teach and motivate students over the years, but few have helped students with significant learning and personal obstacles move through, and well beyond, developmental education to meet their goals in a way that Jen knows how to,” she said.
Prior to working at IVCC, Bubb worked as a kindergarten teacher. She graduated
LaSalle Peru High School and attended Illinois Valley Community College and transferred to Illinois State University.
Bubb’s influence to become a teacher was having great teachers herself as she went on with her education.
Bubb offered advice for any younger students with aspirations of becoming a teacher.
“You have to go into it with the mindset of this is something you really want to do. You have to be organized, on time and wear many hats,” she said.
Bubb has no set retirement plans with the exception of seeing singer PINK in concert this summer.
As for writing off her story of teaching completely, Bubb is not sure what the future holds, as she has offered tutoring lessons at her home and enjoyed not only the money, but the chance to help more students.
O R I A L
If you have TikTok, you likely have an idea of what’s been going on in Congress. You’ve seen the edits, the cuts, the clips, the templates.
DIf you don’t, though, you’ve still probably heard the news, albeit in a less… chaotic way. On March 23, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was questioned for five hours by legislators about the government’s growing distrust toward the Chinese-owned company.
IBut while Congress remains adamant they are concerned about American data in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), many TikTokkers are sure there is something else going on.
T“They want it banned cause they don’t control it,” commented one user under a TikTok detailing coverage of the Paris riots in connected to the ban threat.
A second user wrote, “It’s never been about safety and always about control.”
Another spelled it out: “They’re trying so hard to keep us out of those voting booths. They know TikTok is how we communicate and organize with each other.”
These are just a few lines from the billions of videos under the trending hashtag “tiktokban,” and they are definitely not the only ones sharing the sentiment.
Many users believe that the U.S. is only targeting TikTok because of its international scope. Because of its worldwide usage, particularly among younger demographics, the app has functioned as a means of all kinds of communication across country borders.
For example, many Iranians took to posting TikToks of their life under the Islamic regime; Ukrainian soldiers gained millions of likes from taping explosions, tanks, and gunfire; and, as mentioned earlier, Parisians have earned followers by capturing riots and fires in the streets of France.
To be clear, TikTok is more than a typical news alert app—it contains anything from crafting content to dance routines to risky challenges—but there is a reason so many young adults trust it solely for their current events.
For one, TikTok is extremely popular among younger consumers. Insider Intelligence estimates that over 60% of Gen Zers in the U.S. use the app at least once a month. So, if young people are consuming the app’s content, that also means young people are creating it—and, as many people expressed after Chew’s hearing, age matters.
“I’m old and fear things I don’t under-
stand,” mocked one user, under a clip of Georgia rep Buddy Carter asking whether TikTok collected biometric data with its face filters.
“What is the level of education required to be a Congress person?” asked another.
The point of this article is not to necessarily sway you one or the other, although I admit I’m biased as a Gen Z TikTokker myself. Rather, what I’m trying to pose is that all this vitriolic discourse points to a much larger issue in our society: the incredible polarization of American political parties, ages, and ideologies.
For the past two decades, America has grown increasingly divided. Bridges between groups and parties have become more difficult to cross and far easier to burn. More than ever, our ideologies are dictating our lives, and serving to wall off the potential friends we don’t think will work for us. As an article from the Pew Research Center states, “Liberals and conservatives disagree over where they want to live, the kind of people they want to live around and even whom they would welcome into their families.”
The overwhelming anger toward Congress from Gen Z on TikTok reflects the strain of this seemingly uncrossable gap. Saying you fully believe your government is blatantly targeting something only to keep you under control is a scary thing. So is criticizing the people in charge for being out of touch, or, put simply, stupid. But these things have always kinda-sorta been said—pretty much since government as we know it began.
What I think is scarier is the lack of listening between one side and the other. TikTok, with its variety of perspectives, cultures, and people, has (I feel) the power to diminish this, or at least dull the flames.
Once again I’m not trying to persuade you. I’m simply saying it makes me wonder: why would Congress not support a place where this could happen?
The Illinois Valley Community College Theatre Department will present the recent Broadway hit “The Prom” as its spring musical playing April 13-23.
Performances are April 13-15 and 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, April 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.
Students, faculty and staff can attend the performances for free.
Community members can buy tickets online at: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/72324
You can also purchase tickets at the box office starting one hour prior to curtain (6:30 p.m. evening shows and 1 p.m. matinees).
Tickets for The Prom are $22 for adults and $15 for high school and under.
“Obtaining this new title is very exciting for our department,” Don Grant Zellmer, IVCC director and choreographer of musical theater, said.
“We’re always looking for something new and challenging, and The Prom hits all the right notes with an extremely funny book, terrific music, and a sizeable cast with many parts aged from high school through adults.”
The show gained fame on Broadway and as a movie on Netflix.
The story centers on four eccentric Broadway stars in desperate
need of a new stage. When they hear trouble is brewing around a smalltown prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue … and themselves.
The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow — but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny.
On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together.
Production staff includes Dr. David Kuester, producer and costume coordinator, Alex Guerrero, music director, and Chad Brokaw, technical director.
The cast includes Barry Glickman played by Matt Valle; Dee Dee Allen: Tracey Childers; Emma Nolan: Zoe Starkey; Alyssa Greene: Lexi Johnson; Trent Oliver: Jake Jakielski; Shelly: Jennifer Walk; Mrs. Greene: Kelly Johnson; Mr. Hawkins: Don Grant Zellmer; Shelby: Courtney Atkinson; Kaylee, Bree Ninis;nCoach: Brian Towne.
The company includes Tricia Kelly, Gennaro Piccolo, Alessandra Deleon, Ethan Darrow, Levi Bland, David Zuniga, Zoe Bush, Ken Persky, and Victoria Campbell.
Illinois Valley Community College is hosting an art exhibit by Syrian Refugee Artisan titled, Stamps of Hope, through April 14 in room CTC 124.
The exhibit is open to the public each day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a self-guided tour.
On March 27, Rihab Sawah presented in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre on the war, the artists and their art.
Sawah, assistant professor at Lincoln Land Community College, has been bringing the artwork back to the United States from Jordan.
She said the paintings and drawings capture the hopes and dreams of those displaced by the Syrian war that began in 2011.
Some of the artists used pieces of canvas cut from tent fabric for their work, while oth-
ers used materials, such as newspapers and cardboard.
Eventually, the United Nations Commission and International Relief and Development Organization noticed the art and began to provide professional art materials.
The exhibit and presentation are free and open to the public.
All art is for sale with prices ranging from $25 to $250. All proceeds go directly to the artists.
The ongoing traveling exhibits is sponsored by the Midwest Institute for International/Intercultural Education.
Contact Amanda Cook Fesperman, IVCC international education coordinator and political science instructor, at 815-224-0203 for more information or to purchase art.
An exhibit of Syrian refugee art is on display at IVCC through April 14.
Tennis is one of those sports that sticks with you throughout your entire life, and nobody demonstrates the importance of the sport better than Vadim Cheli.
Cheli is an Illinois Valley Community College student and an avid tennis player for the Eagles.
Cheli is known around campus as an easy-going guy who makes friends easily. He enjoys hanging out in the student lounge and playing ping-pong with anyone who asks.
Ping-pong may be fun, but tennis is more than a game to Cheli. He is looking forward to taking on the season with a fierce forehand.
After speaking to Cheli about his love for tennis, it is evident that it continues to be a growing interest.
“Having a strong serve makes tennis more fun,” Cheli says.
You can find Cheli practicing tennis Wednesdays and Saturdays with the team, which now has four Zimbabwe players. The team is looking promising for the 2023 season, according to Cheli.
For Cheli, there is only one other thing as important as tennis, and that is striving for personal excellence. Cheli says that tennis is more than a game; it is a way to grow as a person mentally and physically.
Cheli told a story about a tournament at the end of the regular season where learned to build mental endurance. He claimed that the lessons learned in tennis can be carried anywhere in life.
In a singles match against a promising player out of McHenry, Cheli was tasked with more than a tennis game. The game involved heckling from the crowd from the opponent’s side. The family and friends of the McHenry player were constantly agitating Cheli.
“Every time I won a point, they would cheer for me, making it hard to stay composed,” he explained.
Although the pressure and intensity of the match overcame Cheli that day, it never deterred him
from learning the lessons that tennis teaches.
Instead, Cheli said he learned a lesson of resilience and devotion to staying composed under pressure. He may have lost the match, but he stayed cool and never faltered.
This, he said, is why tennis is such an important sport. The match may not go as planned, but the satisfaction of a good game is as rewarding as a trophy---although Cheli says it is nice to have both.
Ben Morrow, Cheli’s doubles partner, formed a bond with the tennis player during their high school years, where Morrow played for St. Bede and Cheli for Ottawa.
Morrow stated Vadim is a “focused and confident player” who is “always out there to have fun while winning games”.
Cheli is focused on his season at hand and had many good things to say about the coming matches.
“I am prepared to do what I must do to qualify for sectionals,” he said. “I am focused on perfecting my technique and making friends along the way.”
The team’s first home game of the season is April 12. The tennis team plays at the L-P High School Sports Complex on Airport Road.
Eagles catcher Ella Sibert celebrates as the umpire calls a Highland Cougars runner out at the plate. The Eagles split a double-header with their conference foe on March 28. The Streator Woodland product boasts a .486 batting average for the Eagles.
The Eagles softball team has started the season strong with a 3-1 conference record and 7-5 overall record as of press time.
The Eagles began spring play with a trip to Floria, where the Eagles played six games and compiled a 2-4 record. However, that early team building in the sunshine state has paid dividends since returning home to Illinois.
In conference play, the Eagles won both games of a doubleheader vs. Sauk Valley and split with Highland. The Eagles also won a nonference doubleheader vs. Joliet.
Sophomore Lauren Phillips has helped the Ealges at the plate, smashing two home runs. Freshman Ella Sibert, who leads the team with a .486 batting average, also has recorded a home run this season.
Name High School
Katie Bates Princeton
Hailey Rakers Wecklin
Makenna Chiaventone Ottawa
Zoe Finley Mendota
Holly Shriber Farmington
Maddy Klicker Seneca
Libby Boyles Princeton
Marissa Boehm St. Bede
Keally Braman Lowpoint-Washburn
Taylor Wetsel Princeton
Claire Morrow St. Bede
Elizabeth Browder Earlville
Paige Cottingim Marquette
Taylor Staton Serena
Ella Sibert Woodland
Lauren Phillips LaSalle-Peru
