U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood visited the IVCC campus March 23 for a small campus tour and conversation with students, with a special focus on the college’s agriculture program and facilities.
This visit included a look at the new Ag building under construction, which has drawn a lot of attention for its role in preparing students for careers in agriculture.
During his visit, IVCC students were able to ask U.S. Rep. LaHood questions that mattered to them. This discussion was student-driven, with LaHood, a Peoria Republican, prepared to answer a wide range of topics brought up on the spot.
Funding Education
When LaHood was asked if he supported continued fund-
ing for the Project Success TRIO program and how he would show his advocacy for it, he answered, “I’m absolutely supportive of that program and whether that’s specifically advocating publicly with my voice or secondly, writing advocacy letters with the other colleagues that I work with on behalf of that program.”
Not only would he advocate for those services, but he said he would also continue to advocate for programs that help students gain greater access to education, including Pell Grants.
“I think we actually need to add more to that [Pell Grant Funding] to adjust for inflation because I think the more Pell funding we have, I think improves the access to students,” LaHood stated. “I think it’s a wise investment of federal dollars, and I think it pays a lot of dividends.”
See ‘LaHood’ Page 3
IVCC president Tracy Morris leads U.S. Rep. Darrin LaHood on a
with a stop at the new agriculture facility that is under construction just south of the main campus.
Students prepare for Study Abroad
PAGE 2: International students access services.
PAGE 4: Women’s History takes center stage.
PAGE 6: Theater Department plans spring show.
By Danica Scoma IV Leader Staff Writer
As most IVCC students pack their bags for summer break, some are preparing their passports.
Through Illinois Valley Community College’s study abroad program, students are trading classrooms in Illinois for cultural immersion thousands of miles away. During the upcoming summer semester, a record six students will travel to Austria, Costa Rica, France, Ireland and Spain.
For students like McKinzie Tarbox, who will be studying abroad in Costa Rica this summer, the opportunity feels especially meaningful.
“As a first-generation student, I didn’t even know studying abroad was an option at first,” she said.
Leading the program is study abroad coordinator Amanda Cook Fesperman, who has seen significant growth in both participation and campus interest. Since taking on the role, she said the program has expanded rapidly, with this summer marking a record number of students traveling abroad — more than were sent in the two decades between 2001 and 2021 combined.
Fesperman said one of the most rewarding aspects of this year’s group is its diversity. The group includes non-traditional and neurodiverse students, as well
as individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, something she actively strives to achieve each year.
Her goal, Fesperman said, is to “get as many students studying abroad as possible… so people can experience the world somewhere else, because it does change you.”
Expanding access has been a key priority through classroom visits, informational meetings, and campus outreach. She added that the program’s growth has extended beyond students, with faculty and staff also showing increased interest in participating in traveling abroad.
See ‘Study Abroad’ Page 3
IV Leader photo/Abigail Beckcom CAMPUS TOUR
tour of the campus
Resources offered for international students
By Abigail Beckcom IV Leader Staff
Illinois Valley Community College offers a variety of resources to help support international students, from basic needs like food and clothing to mental health services and housing.
While most of these resources are not exclusive to international students, Ashlee Fitzpatrick, Associate Director of Retention, emphasized that there are many campus services available to them.
“One of the biggest things is that international students can use all the same campus resources as any other student,” Fitzpatrick stated. “That includes tutoring, counseling, the food pantry, and many others.”
Eagle’s Peak food pantry is available during its advertised hours, but is often accessible beyond those times if staff are present. If a student is in need outside of regular hours, they can contact campus security to connect them with an administrator on duty.
The Biggest Obstacle: Transportation Transportation, however, remains one of the biggest challenges for international students, especially in IVCC’s rural location. While there are local public transportation services available, like NCAT and BPART, they can get expensive quickly. So international students are often left walking to cam-
pus or trying to find rides with other IVCC students.
If any international students are interested in the NCAT service, at the beginning of this year, they introduced a new regular route system with scheduled campus stops multiple times per day. You would just need to go online or call to set up scheduled pick-up and drop-off times.
“The hope is that this new route will make it easier for students to get to campus,” Fitzpatrick said.
For international students who might be facing financial hardships, IVCC also offers the Student Emergency Living Needs (SELN) fund through the Foundation Office. This program might be able to provide financial assistance, such as funds added to a transit account to help cover transportation costs.
“It’s meant for emergencies,” Fitzpatrick explained. “Students can’t rely on it all the time, and it’s not guaranteed, but it can help in a tough situation.”
Climate Adjustments
Winter weather also presents another obstacle, especially for international students who come from warmer climates. While there isn’t a specific resource on the IVCC campus to provide them with winter wear, there are vouchers available for Lily Pads, where they are able to get clothing items.
“They are able to get, and I’m just rattling this off the top of my head. They are able to get, I be-
lieve, one jacket, four shirts, two pants, shoes, and then undergarments as well,” Fitzpatrick explained. If students feel unsafe getting to campus due to weather or the inability to get transportation, communication is key.
“There’s really no wrong person to reach out to,” Fitzpatrick said. “Talk to your instructor, coach, or any staff or faculty that you trust. They’ll help connect you to the right resources.”
Additional Resources
IVCC also provides mental health resources for international students who might be missing home. Students can connect with counselors, peer mentors, or join campus clubs/organizations to build a sense of community.
“Get involved, find a club or an organization, and get connected,” Fitzpatrick stressed. “You really do feel so much better and more supportive when you’re around peers, even if they have a different background than you.”
Community College’s Creating Community
Overall, IVCC’s goal is to ensure international students feel supported and connected.
“The nice idea about community colleges is that we are one big community. We will connect students to whoever we think can help them, and we are very fortunate to have a lot of community support as well,” Fitzpatrick emphasized.
IV Leader photos/Isabella Petty
IVCC celebrated Black History Month with students and staff volunteering for a soul food buffet in the cafeteria. The IVCC community gathered Feb. 25 to bond and savor for one of the many Black History Month celebration events that IVCC hosts. MORE THAN JUST FOOD
LaHood — continued from page 1
When asked about the student loan caps passing for certain professions, like social workers and nurse practitioners, taking effect July 1, 2026, LaHood said he needed more information on how the policy was implemented, but he emphasized balance.
“I need to maybe learn a little bit more about that. I’m not familiar with how that was done.
“I mean, I think there has to be an appropriate balance between, you know, the low amounts that are given to students, depending on the field they’re in, and programs that have had a success rate that has worked,” LaHood stated.
Agriculture in relation to global trade
Agriculture and its connection to global trade were also a main point of discussion.
“About 40% of our corn and soy-
beans go somewhere else around the globe, right? And so, we’re directly tied on trade… Trade policy matters to our farmers,” LaHood said.
LaHood then talked on his concerns about how tariffs impact our agriculture.
“We shouldn’t have blanket tariffs; we shouldn’t predicate our economy on blanket tariffs. I’ve kind of disagreed with the president on this.
“I think tariffs should be used in a strategic and tactical way to go after bad actors like China and others that cheat and steal, but tariffs, in my view, have hurt a lot of our farmers. So, trying to relieve the tariff burden for our farmers, that’s something we’ve worked a lot on,” explained LaHood.
Alongside trade, he discussed the challenges that farmers face when it comes to regulations.
“How farmers are regulated is a big deal, too, right? What fertilizer you can
Study Abroad — continued from page 1
“I want it to be the norm that people come to IVCC and know they’re getting a global experience here, whether they go abroad or are just sitting in someone’s classroom,” she said.
As interest grows, so do student questions, particularly regarding safety. Fesperman said one of the most common concerns she hears is whether it is safe to travel abroad as an American. While she reassures students that safety is not something to worry about, she encourages them to be mindful of their surroundings.
“They are ambassadors from IVCC,” she said, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and respect while abroad.
Beyond logistics, Fesperman stresses the benefits of studying abroad extend beyond the experience itself. Research shows students who study abroad are more likely to complete their degrees, successfully transfer and secure employment after graduation.
“It’s not just about changing your life personally,” she said. “There are real, tangible benefits for people who have studied abroad.”
She also encourages students to study abroad during their time at a community college, noting that it is often more affordable and easier to fit into an academic schedule before coursework becomes more demanding.
At its core, the program is designed to expand students’ understanding of the world. IVCC offers a variety of international opportunities that allow students to explore the cultural, economic, and political relationships between nations while earning academic credit. Through partnerships with the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs, students can study in locations across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with both semester-long and summer options available.
Despite these opportunities, Fesperman said many students hesitate due to common misconceptions, especially cost. She emphasized that studying abroad is more accessible than students assume, with financial aid, multiple scholarships, and programs such as the Gilman Scholarship helping offset or even fully cover expenses for eligible students.
Other concerns, such as credits not transferring or requiring prior language experience, are also untrue. Courses are coordinated through the college to ensure transferability, and many programs do not require any prior knowledge of a foreign language. passion for international education is rooted in her own experience. Growing up in a rural town in Michigan as a first-generation college student, she was inspired after meeting people who had traveled abroad. Determined to
put on, what applications you can put on? Can you put Potash on? What kind of tractor do you use? That’s all regulated by the government,” LaHood said.
He also noted that margins are thin in the Ag sector now, and it’s important to support farmers while still maintaining environmental protection.
“How do we, you know, we don’t negate any of our environmental rules, but figuring out how do we have a regulatory environment that helps our farmers.”
Renewable energy dreams
Energy was another topic that was brought up, specifically with the growth of windmills and renewable energy sources in Northern Illinois. LaHood described his district as “a very diverse energy district” and said he supports “kind of an all of the above approach” when it comes to energy sources. He also showed his support for nuclear en-
ergy, saying, “I think nuclear has been extremely beneficial to the state of Illinois,” and added, “I’m 100% supportive of that,” when discussing newer technologies like modular reactors.
Other topics
LaHood shared his core responsibilities of his role in Congress.
“There are three important parts of my job… voting on behalf of my 740,000 constituents… being a cheerleader for my district… then lastly is good constituent service, helping out people in my district.”
This visit helped provide IVCC students with an opportunity to engage personally with a federal policymaker on issues that are affecting their education, future careers, and local economy.
IVCC President Tracy Morris arranged for students to have time with LaHood during his campus visit.
pursue a similar path, she left college to teach English as a second language in Prague. Because her family could not financially support the experience, she worked to make it possible, an experience that continues to shape her advocacy today.
Now, she is committed to ensuring students at IVCC, especially those from low-income or first-generation backgrounds, know that these opportunities are within reach.
“Studying abroad opens doors for students that they didn’t know were closed,” Fesperman said. “Those doors are their minds, their experiences, and their understanding of other cultures.”
Tarbox hopes to improve her language skills through immersion rather than memorization. “I really want to get better at Spanish in a real way,” she said. “I want to joke around, tell stories and let people hear my personality in another language.”
She also looks forward to gaining confidence through the experience. “Coming back able to hold a conversation in Spanish and feeling more confident would be a huge win for me,” Tarbox said.
Although she describes the experience as outside of her comfort zone, she remains eager to immerse herself in a new culture and meet new people. Like many students, she views studying abroad as an opportunity for personal
growth and meaningful connection.
While students like Tarbox prepare for their journeys, others have already experienced the impact of studying abroad firsthand. For Valerie Valdez, who studied in Spain last summer, the challenges proved transformative.
“It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way,” Valdez said. “Living in another country made me more aware of my own culture and values. I started to appreciate things I had taken for granted.”
She added that the experience shaped her in lasting ways. “Personally, I became more independent, open-minded, and adaptable.”
‘Well,
OPINION
what were you wearing?’
At IVCC, Women’s History Month isn’t just being observed; it’s being felt. March brings a series of cel ebrations to campus, including an exhibit titled “Well, What Were You Wearing?: An Exhibition of Survival,” presented by Safe Journeys.
The exhibit is displayed in the front lobby.
The exhibit features recreated outfits worn by local survivors of sexual assault at the time of their attacks, each accompanied by a brief description of their sto ry. These displays offer strength, visibility, and a sense of community for those who have shared experiences of violence.
The title, “Well, What Were You Wearing?” recalls a common response that often blames the victim of sexual assault rather than the perpetrator.
IVCC is also hosting a series of Brown Bag Lunch events, where students can snack while learning from presentations focused on women and women’s history.
Women’s History Month matters because it restores stories that were ignored, dismissed, or erased. It re minds us that women have shaped every part of our society, often without recognition, and that their rights and safety are essential to a healthy democracy.
This is why victim‑blaming questions like “What was she wearing?” are so damaging. They shift attention away from the violence committed and reduce a survivor’s experience to an outfit, as if clothing, not the perpetrator, caused the assault.
And this history isn’t just for women. Men benefit
from understanding it too, because the fight for wom en’s rights has expanded freedoms, protections, and opportunities for everyone.
Current events show how fragile that progress can be. Critics warn that the proposed SAVE act could make voting harder for many Americans, including women. Meanwhile, the Epstein files reveal that both women and men tried to report his abuse for years but were ignored. These failures echo a long pattern of institutions not taking women seriously.
This makes the 2026 recognition of Women’s History Month more important than ever.
Student Government elections set for April 9-10
Hello, Eagles!
I have some exciting up dates on the upcoming stu dent government elections. Elections will take place Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Life Space.
Why should you care about voting?
The student govern ment officials you elect will represent your voice to Dr. Tracy Morris, our college’s president, and campus leadership. They advocate for student needs, help plan events, and play a key role in shaping your experience at IVCC.
Positions available include Student Trustee, Pres
ident, Vice President, Trea surer, Secretary, Sophomore Representative, and two Sophomore Programming Board positions.
By casting your vote, you have the direct opportuni ty to make an impact on campus.
All you need to do is show up on either day, grab a pen and a ballot sheet, and throw it in the box. Simple! I would also like to men tion that the IVCC Board of Trustees met on March 16 to review campus updates, approve financial items, and recognize faculty.
Trustees approved over $4.27 million in bills and reviewed the college’s
financial status through the Treasurer’s Report.
The board also approved the appointment of Averil Miles as Director of Facilities and recognized the upcoming retirements of Director of Facilities Scott Curley and Natural Sciences Lab Instruc tor LeeAnn Johnson.
Trustees reviewed bid results for 2026 campus ren ovations, including asbestos abatement and environmen tal consulting services, and approved the purchase of new lab and staff comput ers as well as a shuttle lease agreement to improve trans portation for athletics and student activities.
Letters to the editor must be signed and should be addressed to the IV Leader Office E-321, IVCC, 815 N. Orlando Smith Ave., Oglesby, IL 61348-9691.
IV Leader Online
www.ivleader.com
all students to stop by on your way to or from class on April 9 and 10. It will only take a minute, and your vote truly matters.
If you have any questions, always feel free to reach out to me at student_trustee@ ivcc.edu.
Trustee’s Corner
By Danica Scoma Student Trustee
Read IV Leader online, meet the staff, apply for a staff position, and explore the newspaper’s long, distinguished history. IV Leader newspaper also maintains a social me dia presence on most plat forms.
IV Leader, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and Illinois Community College Jour nalism Association, is published monthly by students of Illinois Valley Community College. Editorials and columns ex press opinions of student and staff members and do not necessarily express the views of IVCC, the administration or the Board. Editorial opinions are those of a student editorial board.
To join the staff, contact lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu
IV Leader photo/Kathleen Hunter
so tired
Arts briefs
River Currents plans release party
The 2026 issue of River Currents goes live April 22 at https:// rivercurrentsivcc.com/.
In celebration, student staff will host a launch party in CTC125 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Contributors and their families are encouraged to attend as are faculty and staff.
River Currents is a student-produced publication that showcases student literary and artistic talents.
For information or to join the staff, contact faculty adviser Tracy Lee at Tracy_Lee@ivcc.edu.
Annual art show scheduled
IVCC’s annual art show that recognizes the work of IVCC and area high school artists has been scheduled.
The art show will run Monday, April 13-Friday, April 24. The Awards Ceremony is April 17 from 5-7pm.
A few pieces of art will be displayed in the front lobby with most work displayed in the link area between Buildings D and E on the main floor.
Some award-winning pieces from the April 17 reception will be displayed in the Student Life Space April 17-24. Faculty member Shannon Slaight hosts the Art Show each year.
IVCC alumnus, author to visit on April 2
IVCC alumnus, former career U.S. diplomat and author Gordon Duguid will headline a book and career discussion at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 2 in the Jacobs Library Active Learning Space.
Copies of his book will be available for sale.
Duguid is a visiting professor in Diplomacy and International Relations at Illinois State University in Normal and the author of “Counter Narrative,” a political thriller. He served as a U.S. diplomat for more than 30 years. His visit is sponsored by the IVCC Foundation and Alumni Association.
Zara Larsson gives ‘endless summer’ vibe at Chicago concert
Swedish pop artist Zara Larsson’s rebrand is something everyone has been raving about.
Leaning into an “endless summer” aesthetic, her new era and Midnight Sun Tour blends carefree energy with confident femininity, marked by beachy visuals, vibrant colors and outfits, and feel-good pop anthems that celebrate independence and self-expression.
Her overall message of
In Concert
By Gwyneth Verona IV Leader Columnist
being true to yourself, having confidence, making mistakes, and living life to the fullest inspires young fans and gives them a strong sense of empowerment and self-acceptance.
This new energy was on full display during her performance at Riviera Theatre in Chicago for her global Midnight Sun Tour. Larsson lit up the stage, channeling her energy to the crowd through her upbeat songs, choreography and backup dancers, crowd interactions, and bright colored outfits and visuals.
Her bright visuals and colorful outfits enhanced the “endless summer” vibe, creating an atmosphere that felt both exciting and uplifting. She presents herself as a great role model for young girls, encouraging them to be confident and embrace their femininity.
Larsson has shared on Instagram a behind-the-scenes look into how she rehearses for the tour where she said that her main focus was to really connect with her fans through intimate venues.
However, as her popularity continues to grow, those smaller spaces quickly become packed, making the experience feel both exciting and slightly overwhelming.
During her show in Chicago on March 15, she said that her favorite part of the shows, and one of the most memorable moments, is when she invites an audience member up on stage to sing and dance with her and her dancers to her song “Lush Life.”
This interaction highlighted her commitment to connecting with fans and made the concert feel so personal and unique.
Overall, the concert deliv-
Zara Larsson performs March 15 at the
in Chicago.
ered exactly what Larsson’s new era promises, which is energy, confidence, girl power, and authenticity. Her performance left the audi-
ence feeling empowered and fully immersed in her “endless summer” world, proving that her rebrand is not only effective, but unforgettable.
IV Leder Photo: Gwyneth Verona ENDLESS SUMMER
Riviera Theatre
IV Leader Cartoonist: Erik Beebee
INTERNATIONAL CULTURE FAIR
Ethnic food tastings, a bake sale, dance performers and art activities will be among the activities at the International Culture Fair 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in CTC 125.
Essay contest winners named
The winners of two recent essay contests were recognized March 16 at the Board of Trustees meeting.
IVCC President Tracy Morris announced the winners of IVCC’s annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Writing Contest and the Gandhi-King Peace Essay Contest.
In the DEI contest, David Escobedo of La Salle received first place, Danica Scoma of Utica, second, and Cooper
PC SPELLING BEE
Shows will take place April 9-12 and 16-19, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for students, while IVCC students get in free. The online box office is available at https://cur8.com/2091/project/138164. Learn more at the IVCC Fine Arts Facebook page.
‘PC Spelling Bee’ presented
By Zach Escatel IV Leader Staff
Performers from both Illinois Valley Community College and the community are getting ready to bring “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” to the stage at IVCC, which will run the weekends of April 9-12 and 16-19.
Sitting through a rehearsal reveals a show people don’t want to miss. The March rehearsal was what the director called the cast’s first stumble through, which gave them a chance to see what they have so far and where they still need to improve. Even though it was a long rehearsal, they kept up the same level of energy the entire time, and it was cool to watch everything start coming together.
saying “they are moving a mile a minute.”
Lead actress Ellie Radke, a second-year student at IVCC who plays Rona Lisa Peretti, said one of the toughest parts of rehearsals has been keeping her voice strong through the long periods. She loves that her character gets to sing a lot and has such a caring, maternal personality. Ellie’s favorite part of the show is “The I Love You Song,” which she calls the “goosebumps moment” that really brings her character to life.
Lamps of La Salle, third.
All three will be recognized at the Spring Academic Awards ceremony.
The students also received cash prizes of $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third.
Cooper Lamps was named the winner of the Gandhi-King Peace essay. He will receive $100 and the essay becomes eligible for a state competition.
Director Dale Young, a longtime director in his first year teaching at IVCC, said the show is “a very silly show with a lot of audience interaction.”
He is especially excited for how involved the audience will be, and said he hopes people can come, laugh, and take a break from everyday stress.
Young talked highly of his cast
Cast member Eugenia Craig, a community member who plays the character Marcy Park, laughed as she said the most challenging part has been “singing and dancing while jumping and running.” She made it clear she is enjoying rehearsals, but that has been the toughest part so far, and she said she is excited for opening night.
Shows will take place April 9-12 and 16-19, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for students, while IVCC students get in free.
The online box office is available at https://cur8.com/2091/project/138164.
IV Leader Photo: Zach Escatel
IV Leader graphic: Danica Scoma
SPORTS
Balance, flexibility key for two-sport athletes
By Camille Huckleba IV Leader Staff Writer
At Illinois Valley Community College, most athletes prepare for one season at a time, dedicating themselves to a single sport along with schoolwork. Lauren Harbison and Kaitlyn Anderson move at a different pace.
As soon as volleyball ends, they transition from one uniform to another, balancing daily practices, game travel, and the pressure to stay ahead in the classroom.
After beginning softball at age 4 and adding volleyball in elementary school, they continued both at the college level.
As two-sport athletes, they balance back-to-back seasons with the academic demands of college life. At a time when many athletes specialize early, their experience highlights the pressure, discipline and time management required to sustain two sports in college.
Harbison’s biggest test came at 17 while pitching at Henry-Senachwine High School in Henry, Illinois, home to the Mallards. She devel-
oped elbow bursitis from repeatedly hitting her elbow on her hip every time she pitched and was unable to pitch for several games. The swelling and bruising were visible, and every throw came with fear. Now she is a pitcher at Illinois Valley Community College; she has had no injuries during her time with the program, with no fears.
“While I was hitting my elbow, I really thought it was over,” she said. She worried about damaging her future and wrapped her elbow heavily in each game when she returned. Still, she never considered quitting. “It never stopped me from wanting to be the best,” she said, crediting her coaches who kept pushing her forward and her dream of playing in college.
For Harbison, softball is more than a sport.
“It helps me not be mentally weak,” she said. “It pushes me through. It keeps me going.” Although she loves volleyball, she said softball brings out the best version of her.
Anderson also faced setbacks. She suffered two concussions while playing basketball in high school, a sport she does not play at IVCC. The
injuries did not change her desire to continue volleyball and softball.
“I enjoy the team environment,” she said. “I’m a very social person, so making new friends is something I love to do.”
Submitted photos
Anderson once considered focusing solely on softball. But after receiving a volleyball offer and encouragement from Harbison, she decided to continue competing in both. Anderson is now a catcher for the IVCC softball team; she plays an important role behind the plate, working closely with pitchers and leading the defense. “I have a passion for them both,” she said.
Balancing academics with two sports is one of the biggest challenges. Harbison described “crunch time” moments when games run long, and homework waits on the bus to ride home. Her schedule often includes classes, practice, the gym, and then latenight studying.
“I know it’s hard to put a student in front of the athlete,” Harbison said, “but you can’t be an athlete on the bench with bad grades. So, stay disciplined and work hard and focus on your next steps, not just
in the moment.”
Anderson said time management is essential. She often completes homework on the bus after games and plans ahead to avoid falling behind.
Despite moving between two competitive environments, neither athlete struggled with the transition from volleyball to softball. Both said it comes naturally after years of playing.
The benefits they agree with go beyond the scoreboard. Sports keep them active, introduce them to new teammates, and give them something to focus on outside the classroom. When asked what life would look like without sports, neither could imagine it.
Looking ahead, both hope to continue playing softball at a four-year school in Illinois. For now, they remain focused on representing IVCC, proving that dedication does not have to be limited to just one uniform.
Lauren Harbison
Kaitlyn Anderson
A Perfect Union
Veith takes field for IVCC before pursuing union trade
By Packston Miller, IV Leader Sports Editor
Jace Veith grew up in Deer Park, a small town between Ottawa and Oglesby.
In fifth grade, his parents divorced, which led his mom to move to Ottawa and dad to Grand Ridge. Ultimately, he went to Grand Ridge Middle School to finish out junior high years.
Veith was never a big kid; both of his parents were relatively small but that never diminished Jace’s love for sports.
He fell in love with basketball, baseball, and even football, but his size always slightly held him back when other kids kept getting bigger. With that, his parents never let him play football, so he stuck to the other sports. To counter being smaller, Veith said he started working out in seventh
grade trying to be stronger and faster than everyone else.
After Jace played numerous amounts of sports, growing up, Veith ended up falling for the gym and baseball. Vieth is currently a freshman at IVCC on the Eagles baseball. But his story goes a little farther back.
When covid hit at the end of seventh grade is when Veith really fell in love with the weights, saying he had an at home gym at his dad’s where he spent most of his time during lockdown. In eighth grade, the gym started to be a safe place for Jace. When school started to stress him out, he did not have a good game, or even if a girl did not look his way, the gym was always somewhere where he could go unwind himself.
After more time in the weightroom he started to see real progress. This gave him more self-confidence and made Veith realize his size never really mattered. Going into freshman year, Jace still played baseball and basketball but started to fall out of love with basketball.
“I started to make a lot of friends and just kind of wanted to focus my skills more on baseball.”
And that he did. Veith, from a young age, always had an excellent work ethic in school or any activity that he puts his mind to. So, when it came down to focusing on baseball, it was his passion.
By junior year Jace was known as the scrappier kid who the older classmen always liked. Also, he had a good spirit around the school.
By March of that year Veith had grown a good bit: he stood around 5’10 and filled his frame out from all the years of lifting.
Jack Henson, who currently plays baseball for the ICC Cougars, was the varsity captain for Vieth’s first varsity season. Henson praised Veith’s approach to the game.
“What stood out about Jace was how hard he worked and how much energy he brought to the lineup. As the leadoff hitter he understood his role, grindings out at bats and doing whatever it took to get on base and getting the bats hot.”
Veith showed a huge jump in production for baseball and still showed his scrappiness by allegedly breaking his school record for most hit by pitches in a season.
By the time his senior year rolled around, Veith had gotten big enough for his parents to feel comfortable playing a certain sport: he then finally got to play football. Football taught Veith a lot in that one year he played.
“Football taught me to be disciplined and push past my comfort zone. It taught me hard work even though I knew it was tough work, but it was harder than I could have imagined.”
Veith after his one year of playing wishes he could have played when he was younger, but his passion and love for baseball was still his main priority. School was also never left behind for Jace; he made sure he kept up with his grades and earned honor
roll throughout his four years at Ottawa.
Veith also participated in a program at Ottawa High School called Area Career Center (ACC); it was a program that helped students who wanted to do blue collar work. Veith found he liked being an electrician.
“They have solid pay and I have had plenty of people tell me how a great career it can be.”
After his senior year finished baseball, Veith decided he did not want to be done playing. He decided to attend Illinois Valley Community College where he can play baseball over the next two years and get his associate degree in applied science.
As freshman year is coming to an end, Veith hopes to have a good season with the team and is looking forward to what is yet to come. Jace wants to build strong connections with the people he meets along the way knowing that he cannot take what he has available for granted. He is looking forward to graduating from IVCC and moving onto union work unless another school baseball comes knocking.
“I am Jace Veith.”
Photo submitted
TEAM BONDS
Veith receives high fives from teammates and caches after drving in a run.
