Illinois Valley Community College is currently undergoing renovations that will modernize classrooms, improve student learning spaces, and make the campus easier to navigate IVCC President Tracy Morris stated during a recent campus construction walkthrough.
From building renumbering to classroom upgrades, Morris indicates that the goal of the construction is to create a more welcoming and functional campus that focuses on student success.
“I’m hoping that people will see it not as an inconvenience, but once we start opening these spaces up, they’ll be like, wow, they really do care about us, and they are investing in the campus,” Morris states, “That’s kind of the message I hope it is, versus, you know, it’s dirty and dusty and gross. We’re trying really hard not to let that be the case.”
What’s Coming
Upcoming improvements will include a new assessment center, lighting upgrades, repainting and renumbering of the buildings, and upgraded classrooms. The new and improved assessment center will provide private, more comfortable environments for placement testing, certification exams, or classroom tests. There will even be rooms designated for those who need, or prefer, to test privately.
“If you build spaces that are inclusive for those who need it for a physical challenge or for a learning challenge, that makes everybody better and gives everybody that opportunity,” Morris said.
Classrooms around campus are being renovated to include dual monitors, cameras and microphones for virtual or hybrid learning, updated lighting, and furniture that will be movable for flexible teaching styles,
See ‘Transforming’ Page 2
PAGE 2: Shutdown will not impact aid.
PAGE 4: Board addresses mental health
PAGE 6: Taylor Swift tells a story with ‘Showgirl’
PAGE 8: Tennis team, cross country runners qualify for nationals In this issue:
Pancakes for a purpose
By Abigail Beckcom IV Leader Staff
On Saturday, Nov. 15, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Applebee’s in Peru, IL., IVCC journalism students and the IV Leader will partner with Illinois Valley Animal Rescue (IVAR) to host a community fundraiser in order to support IVAR’s needs.
The event is called the Flapjack Fundraiser and those in attendance will be able to enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast while also supporting a meaningful cause.
Tickets are $10 and will be available for sale at the door. If you want to purchase a ticket in advance, contact Lori Cinotte at lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu or Abigail Beckcom at K0039915@ivcc.edu.
The goal of this fundraiser is to
collect donations, raise funds, and to help promote awareness for IVAR, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals throughout the IV.
“We are so appreciative of everyone who helps support us. We truly could not do what we do without all of you! Volunteering, donating, attending events, or sharing our posts, everything helps,” Paula O’Brien, one of IVAR’s lead fundraisers states.
Not only will there be a pancake breakfast, but guests will also have the chance to purchase tickets for raffle baskets, purchase IVAR merchandise, and donate pet supplies for a free entry to win a basket filled with gift cards from local businesses.
IVCC president Tracy Morris takes IV Leader staff members on a tour of the construction that will modernize classrooms.
IV Leader graphic: Maya Zeman
IV Leader photo: Tyler Mason
Financial aid, Project Success remain unaffected by shutdown
By Jabulile Mooketsi IV Leader Staff Writer
The ongoing federal government shutdown has brought concerns to many students who might think that their financial aid might get affected; however, the college has been assured that Pell and other federal aid money is safe.
IVCC President Tracy Morris said, “As of Oct. 22, we have been told that the shutdown should not impact financial aid. That’s what we have been told: that money has been allocated [and] people are still working in those depart-
ments.
“As of right now there isn’t any plan for them to take away financial aid now or for spring semester.”
The U.S. government shutdown started Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass a funding bill that would keep the government running.
Approximately 750,000 federal and essential workers will not be receiving a paycheck during the shutdown. Some federal employees have been furloughed during the shutdown as well.
In addition to financial aid, other areas that will not have funding affected include the new ag
Despite uncertainty, adult education funded
By Jabulile Mooketsi IV Leader Staff Writer
Illinois Valley Community College adult education program has on-going funding in order to be able to continue offering its services.
The program was funded after months of concern regarding governmental funding during negotiations on President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill that threatened several education programs.
The program, which receives $180,000 in federal funding, offers free GED preparation, basic skills classes, and ESL to 16 years and older who are outside of the formal education system.
Director Sara Escatel refers to the program as a safety net.
“If they did not graduate high school or if English is not their primary language, we catch them there. We give them a second chance, whether that is giving them an NCAT voucher if they have no transportation or giving them food from the pantry if they have none.”
The GED and ESL program alone has 330 students, all instructed by four full-time and 13 part-time teachers.
Escatel sees firsthand how opportunities trickle down family by family.
Hundreds of individuals travel to the college annually to obtain a high school equivalent certificate, and some are in college or vocational training.
Escatel invites everyone with questions about adult education program to contact her.
In her words, “Education does not have an expiration date. It is never too late to start.”
building and Project Success, which is funded by a federal TRiO grant.
A portion of the ag building is funded by $2.5 million of federal funding.
TRiO serves about 160 students per year and receives more than $357,000 in funding.
Morris said the support for these programs should remain unchanged.
However, IVCC and other colleges across the nation may experience difficulty in reaching officials at federal agencies.
Morris said, “Where the prob-
Transforming
Accessibility inclusivity, and collaborative work. Morris emphasized that the updates being made are not only to enhance the appearance of the campus, but the functionality as well.
“We know we have great faculty. We know we have great students. They should be in a facility that represents that.”
To help the campus be more navigable, building and classroom numbers are also being updated with a better system. Some walls will even be repainted with anchor colors, so it’s easy to identify which building you are in from just looking at it.
Student Focused Vision
The heart of the renovation is clear that its commitment is to the student population. There will be upgraded lounges and gathering places to be more welcoming and comfortable. This way, students feel like staying on campus longer, whether it’s to study, hang out with friends, or just have a quiet moment to themselves.
“We’re investing in you, and we’re investing in the future of the college,” she stated.
Morris highlighted that while the construction is a temporary inconvenience, the end result will outweigh any of it.
“You can’t wait until the end. You need to do a little bit
lem is really coming in from the shutdown is when we need to reach out to an office that is not staffed.
“For instance if we had questions about the grant for the agricultural building, no one would be there to answer it; fortunately, we have an amazing team and got everything approved before the shutdown.”
The college continues to make contingency plans to deal with any funding or policy uncertainty caused as the shutdown continues.
Continued from Page 1
all the time.”
“It’s all a big dance, and our construction people have done a really good job.”
The President’s Dedication
President Morris, who is passionate about community colleges, showed her dedication for her team and the mission of institutions like Illinois Valley Community College.
“I didn’t want to work anywhere other than a junior college or community college… We serve students differently, and I think it’s what makes this so awesome.”
She also acknowledged how amazing her staff and faculty have been throughout this whole process.
“My facilities team is very tired, but they’re doing a really good job. They’re doing amazing keeping up with it all.”
Looking Ahead
This renovation is more than just making the college look pretty. It shows IVCC’s commitment to not only its students, but its staff and the community as well. Improved classrooms, better inclusivity, and spaces designed for engagement and comfort; the campus is being made into a space that will support learning in a modern, meaningful way for years to come.
“I really hope that they feel that this is a college, and we are glad that you’re here.”
IV
Leader photo: Tyler Mason
Pancakes
Continued from Page 1
Donations can be brought directly to the event and dropped off upon entry.
Organizers hope this event will not only raise money/donations for IVAR, but also encourage continuous support for IVAR and its mission.
“One thing I’d like people to know is that to volunteer with us, you don’t have to only do it at the shelter.
“You can volunteer at events or do other things that don’t involve working at the shelter. The shelder does need volunteers to clean, obviously. But there are other areas that you can help in also,” O’Brien said.
Fundraisers like this help IVAR to continue providing care, shelter, and treatment to their animals until they find their fur-ever homes.
This event will reflect the student-led projects at IVCC, showing the impact they can have not only inside the classroom, but outside as well.
The IV Leader students organizing this event encourage other students, faculty, and local residents to donate, attend the pancake breakfast, and help make a difference in our community.
Career Services RESOURCES
By Staff Writer Abigail Beckcom, information from Doris Burke, director of Career Services
Department: Student Success
Location/room: CTC-202A
Advisor: Doris Burke, Career Services Specialist Contact Info
Email: doris_burke@ivcc.edu
Phone Number: 815-224-0502
Hours of Operation: Monday (ASC) 8 a.m to 12:00 p.m. CTC 202A 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday (Ottowa Center) 9 a.m to 5:30 p.mm Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Is your resource free?
Yes, all Career Services resources and events are free to IVCC students, alumni and community members.
What population do you serve?
We serve the entire student body, alumni, and community members. Our services are inclusive of all students regardless of background, major, or program of study.
Please explain your services
Career Services helps students with resume
writing and cover letter assistance. Career services can also help students connect with employers. Services include career counseling, job and internship search help, mock interviews, workshops, career fairs, and online tools for career exploration and Resume builder.
When can students use your services?
Students can access services during office hours either by appointment or Walk in. Some resources (like our online job boards ) are available anytime. Appointments are encouraged but not always required.
What is the best way for students to contact you?
Email is best for scheduling appointments. But they can contact me by phone and leave a message if I’m not available. Students are also welcome to stop by the office in person during office hours.
Why are your services important?
Career Services prepares students for the transition from college to the workforce. We help students by equipping them with tools required for the Job like resumes and cover letters. Connecting students to future employers and helping them search for jobs or Internships . We also offer support with career exploration for those still deciding what their career will be. We offer opportunities for networking, through our career fairs and
annual events like the Etiquette dinner.
What do you do?
Assist with resumes cover letters, Provide career exploration. Offer job search help and mock interviews. Host employers’ campus and classroom visits, Plan Program related career fairs and the annual etiquette dinner. Connect students to internships and job opportunities
Help with the online job posting network. Visit classrooms to hold resume workshops and help getting students to get registered on the job network
Does your resource involve any student clubs?
Career Services does not directly run a student club, but partners with other student departments to help support their clubs and programs.
What else would you like students to know about your offerings?
Career Services is free to use, and we are open to every student. Don’t wait till you’re graduating to visit. Start early and we can help you prepare for your first job, internship or career. We are here to connect what you are learning in the classroom to real world job opportunities. Even if you haven’t figured it out yet, you can still come to Career services for guidance and to explore options and figure out what the next step is. We are here to support your career goals and your journey after college.
IV Leader photo: MaKade Rios NO KINGS
A crowd gathered in Ottawa Oct. 18 for the No Kings rally. The group protested against President Trump’s policies, including immigration.
OPINION
OCTOBER 30, 2025
Editorial
Halloween: Is there a deeper meaning?
October in America tends to get associated with cozy vibes and spookiness.
The leaves are starting to change into warmer tones of orange, red and yellow and Dunkin’ donuts as well as Starbucks are selling their ever-so-popular pumpkin spiced lattes.
This time of year, there is an array of different festivities to choose—from seasonal shopping and trick-or-treating to harvest festivals with hayrides and pumpkin patches. Then there is the abundance of spooky themed décor found at local shops for individuals to decorate all year-round or just for Halloween.
Some might spend the month watching “scary” movies or rewatching Gilmore Girls. Halloween maybe considered one of the more inclusive holidays observed in America when it comes to the array of activities for all ages to choose from; however, there are some who avoid October’s commercialized holiday all together: Halloween.
While the history of Halloween seems to have a myriad of accounts to its origin or deeper meaning, Samhain—Halloween’s predecessor—has been long practiced in Ireland, Scotland and some parts of the United Kingdom before arriving in America.
Samhain (pronounced SOWin) is observed from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1—the midpoint between the fall equinox and the winter solstice—marking the end of summer and harvest, welcoming the beginning of winter.
Samhain’s rich Gaelic roots and deep spiritual meaning have been lost to those who are unfamiliar with Vox in Rama’s long standing detrimental impact and the continuation
of stacked negative views of “devil worshipping.”
On the eve of Nov. 1, it is believed that the veil between this world and the afterlife is at its thinnest — making communication with those who have left this world possible.
In modern day Wicca practice, Samhain is a time to honor those who have passed and often involves paying tribute to ancestors, family, friends and pets.
This is not unlike other cultural practices or customs for honoring the dead.
Halloween in America has become more of a consumer-driven holiday with overpriced cheaply made costumes, loads of candy, green skinned “witches” on broomsticks and internet trending 12-feet-tall front lawn skeletons; however, if one has the curiosity to learn more about Halloween or Samhain through research, a deeper understanding can illuminate its cultural significance as well as honoring the passing of loved ones.
Accessibility, mental health addressed by board
Hello Eagles,
I’d like to share some updates from the Board of Trustees meeting held on October 21st. The Board approved the proposal to abide by the Department of Justice’s Website Accessibility mandate. This means our IVCC website and digital content will soon be updated to better serve individuals with disabilities—an important step toward greater inclusivity.
Additionally, the Board approved a proposal to expand mental health services for students. This includes exploring options to offer clinical therapy during evenings, weekends, and even during college closures such as winter break. It’s reassuring to see our IVCC Board is committed to making opportunities equitable for all. On another exciting note,
International Education Week is just around the corner -- starting November 17th in room C316. Throughout the week, staff and students will share stories and opportunities related to studying, working, and living abroad. I will be speaking at the study abroad panel on Wednesday, November 19th, alongside fellow students who have traveled through IVCC programs.
To give you a glimpse into my experience: I spent a month studying in Spain this summer, and it was truly one of the most rewarding adventures of my life. I never imagined that Illinois Valley Community College would open the door for me to explore not only cities in Spain, but also Portugal and Morocco. I’m still in awe. Academic travel is both empowering and enlightening —
it expands your perspective in ways that stay with you forever.
So, I encourage you to attend the international panels. You never know what someone else’s journey might spark within you.
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I am happy to help. Feel free to email me at student_ trustee@ivcc.edu or stop me in the hallways!
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 necessarily express the views of IVCC, the administration or the Board. Editorial opinions are those of a student editorial board.
Letters:
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.
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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 media presence on most platforms.
To join the staff, contact lori_cinotte@ivcc.edu
OCTOBER 30, 2025
Jazz ensemble student honors grandfather with every note
By Maya Zeman IV Leader Staff Writer
In the IVCC Jazz Ensemble, Sarah Beier plays her grandfather’s trumpet.
How did you first come to play your grandfather’s trumpet?
I was looking to upgrade my trumpet shortly after I started high school, but I didn’t know what kind I wanted to get. My grandpa came forward with his trumpet, which he played in high school, that he was looking to get rid of.
Could you share a little about your grandfather’s connection to the instrument and what it means to you to carry that on?
My grandfather’s connection to the horn is that he played it when he was in high school. When I took his horn, it needed a really good cleanup because it had been left sitting in its case for about 50 years. I had to take it in to get it cleaned, but Mr. Brandon Czubachowski was able to bring it back to life!
How long have you been involved in the Jazz Ensemble at IVCC?
I have been involved in the IVCC Jazz Ensemble for 2 years.
How did the opportunity to feature it in the Jazz Ensemble come about?
I had just graduated from high school in the Spring of 2023 and was looking to still be involved in music. Brandon Czubachowski was my band director at Hall High School and had told me that he was also the Jazz Ensemble director at IVCC. I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not at first, but I signed up for it, and after a few rehearsals, I fell in love with it!
Submitted photograph of Beier playing her gandfather’s trumpet.
What do you hope the audience takes away from the performances?
I hope the audience takes away the different melodies, harmonies, and songs after each concert. Having the audience take something away from each concert will make it memorable for both the ensemble and them.
What was your favorite part of the performances so far?
My favorite performances so far would have to be any of the Christmas concerts in December or when we have had guest artists. In the Spring of 2024, we featured Dr. Andy Rummel from ISU on the Tuba, and in the Spring of 2025, we featured Dr. Stephen Hawk on Trumpet.
How does it feel to perform with your grandfather’s trumpet?
It feels great! I am lucky to have this horn and that it was able to be fixed so that
of IVCC
Community Care
Student nurses from Student Nurses Association crafted and donated cozy blankets to Liberty Village and Pleasant View nursing home residents. Pictured are representatives from SNA and the nursing homes, including, from left, Stacy Law, Liberty Village representative, IVCC nursing instructor Chrissy Boughton, Christine Wood, Leslie Sanchez, Katelyn Wilson, Jena Easton, Anna Larios, Liberty Village representative, and Coral Garcia.
it can play again. Whenever my grandfather comes to concerts, he always says to me, “I can’t believe that my trumpet has a new life in it again, and I’m so glad to see it being played.”
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about the ensemble?
The IVCC Jazz Ensemble is under the direction of Brandon Czubachowski. The ensemble rehearses on Tuesday nights during the Fall and Spring semesters with two concerts each semester. The ensemble varies in players, such as college and high school students, along with many community members.
The first concert of the year for the Jazz Ensemblewas Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Center, with a Winter/Christmas concert on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Join us for great concerts this Fall and more to come in the Spring!
Native American history discussed
By Maya Zeman IV Leader Staff Writer
Illinois Valley Community College commemorates Native American Heritage Month with a visit from speaker Gerald Savage.
On Thursday, Nov. 6 at noon, in the Student Life Space, Savage, an IVCC Alum will speak on the topic of Ho-Chunk Native Americans, an Illinois Indigenous Tribe.
From the history of the tribe to the reintroduction of his family into Illinois, this educational program welcomes every person, regardless of age and ethnicity, to engage in Ho-Chunk tribals customs and ways.
This presentation is personal to Savage as his formal native name is Ho-Chunk Ska Ga (White Winnebago), and he is a tribal elder with the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Savage’s grandparents, who were Chief Walks with the Wind and Princess
Stands on a Cloud, relocated to Illinois in 1935 after being resettled out of state.
Today, Savage carries on this tradition of educating people about the HoChunk tribe, from a Native perspective.
The Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Speaker’s, and Illinois America 250 Commissioner’s, presentation is sponsored by IVCC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Gerald Savage
Submitted photograph
student nurses, as well as SNA and Liberty Village representatives
OCTOBER 30, 2025
IVCC Theatre presents “Proof’
In David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning “PROOF,” Catherine has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician.
Following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, her father’s former student.
A burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father’s madness—or genius—will she inherit?
The show is considered PG-13 with some language and adult discussions/relationships.
Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 20-22 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 in the Weeg Cultural Centre.
The show is directed by Dale J. Young and produced and technically directed by Chad Brokaw.
Students in the cast include Phoebe Kammer as Catherine, Eleanor Radtke as Claire and Alex Stafford as Hal. Community member Joe Ennenbach has the role of Robert. Ennenbach also is an IVCC alumnus.
Buy tickets at the online box office: https://cur8. com/2091/project/134610.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for high school students and IVCC guests.
THEATRE FEEDS THE SOUL IVCC’s theatre production, “Bottom’s on First 2.0” collected food items to donate to the IVCC Eagle’s Peak Food Pantry. Pictured above are cast members displaying some of the donations. The cast included (front, from left): Sarah Masters, Dr. Dale Young, and Hope Laza,
Phillip Goodale, Tyler Bieneman, and Matt Masters, (back from left): Gabrilla Lowrance, Tobias Burkey, Isaac Fletcher, and Aiden Love.
Lights, Camera, Taylor!
Everyone has been raving about Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl. To me, it feels like a celebration of a woman living her best life and doing what she loves, surrounded by the people she loves.
Swift captures all the sparkle and strain of balancing life in the spotlight with genuine happiness in her career, relationships, and herself.
The album opens with “The Fate of Ophelia,” a strong pop opener that has already broken several streaming records worldwide. With this track, she twists the tragic Shakespeare reference into her own story about being saved by love instead of doomed by loneliness.
The follow up track, “Elizabeth Taylor,” demonstrates Hollywood glamour while reflecting on the lonely side of fame.
Throughout the album, Swift mixes theatrical pop with moments of raw vulnerability.
“Opalite” radiates pure joy and is very upbeat and romantic. She draws inspiration from the fact that opalite is a man-made gemstone, connecting it to the idea that happiness, too, is something we create for ourselves.
The next track, “Father Figure,” dives into complex emotions about power and growth. Many listeners believe she’s telling her story of being taken advantage of as a young artist in the music industry and later fighting for her right to own her music.
The title track, “The Life of a Showgirl,” featuring Sabrina Carpenter, feels like a grand finale that ties everything together. She brings to life what it truly feels like to exist in show business, highlighting the good and bad parts of it all.
While this piece has received mixed re-
Retrieved August 19, 2025., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index. php?curid=80734644
views, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I think this may be my new favorite Taylor Swift record.
She has once again proved that she knows how to turn her life into a story, and this time, there are no skips. Swifties, let me know your top 5 from The Life of a Showgirl!
In Concert
By Gwyneth Verona IV Leader Columnist
IVCC Fine Arts Photo
(middle, from left):
By Swift, Taylor (October 3, 2025). “The Life of a Showgirl”. United States: Apple Music. Archived from the original on August 19, 2025.
Erik Beebee, IV Leader Cartoonist
Women’s soccer season ends
By Isabella Petty IV Leader Sports Co-editor
The IVCC women’s soccer team recently had their last game against Harry S. Truman College leaving their season with a final record of 0-11-2
On Oct. 4, the IVCC Women’s Soccer team faced Kankakee Community College in Rotary Park. Abigail Poole set the pace with the first goal of the game at the beginning of the first half followed by 2 goals by Kankakee.
In the second half,
Sophomore defender David Escobedo takes a free kick (photo on left) dribbles the ball along the pitch. Freshman defender and midfielder Noemi Arteaga (photo on right) throws the ball in for IVCC during an Oct. 4 contest.
Kankakee scored 3 more goals.
This ended the match with a score of 1-5 with a loss for the IVCC Women’s Eagles.
During the game Kankakee’s Kaylee Boudreau (14) received a yellow card.
With just two other games that both ended in ties, this was their eighth loss of the season.
After the contest, freshman Defender Kalie Andersen said, “I try to leave a loss in the past and focus on preparing and bettering myself for the next game.”
Men’s soccer season concludes
By Isabella Petty IV Leader Sports Co-editor
The IVCC Men’s soccer team recently had their last game against Kishwaukee College leaving their 20252026 season with a final record of 4-8-4.
Leaving on a positive note, IVCC’s Men’s Sophomore Goalkeeper Jabulile Mooketsi holds the IVCC school record for saves in a single season along with minutes.
This season Mooketsi made 140 saves and had a .745 save percentage during his 16 games this season.
On Oct. 4, the IVCC Men’s soccer team, coached by Head Coach, Tim Cottingim and assistant
coach, Fidel Mora, faced Kankakee Community College in Rotary Park. The aggressive and competitive competition began with Kankakee making the first two goals in the first half and IVCC Sophomore Defender David Escobedo (20) made the third goal to put IVCC on the scoreboard. In the second half, Kankakee scored another goal. With this, the game ended with a score of 1-3.
Leaving the IVCC Men’s Soccer team with a loss.
During the match, the IVCC Men’s soccer team received two yellow cards during the game. Casrick Grant (14) and Lucas Flores (15).
The Kankakee Men’s Soccer team also received
Athlete Spotlight: Kalie Andersen
Sport: Soccer
Freshman Defender
Major: Criminology
Hometown: Ottawa
Andersen has played soccer most of her life, when asked, how did you first get started in the sport? She said, “I first started playing soccer in kindergarten when my town would have soccer camps during the summer and I have stuck with it ever since”
What is your proudest moment in your athletic career “scoring a hat trick my freshman year of high school”
Andersen has big plans after IVCC, when provided the question, where do you see yourself with this sport in the future Andersen says, “I plan on transferring to a fouryear university and continuing my soccer career there while also achieving a bachelor’s degree in criminology.”
When asked, who’s your biggest supporter? One person really stood out to Andersen, “My biggest supporter is my mom, she has always been at every game whether it’s a home game or all the way in Wisconsin”
What is your favorite thing about the team? “My favorite thing about the team is how close all the girls have become to each other”
Andersen does not only play defense, but she has also recently become one of the keepers on her team as well. Andersen says, “It is a way different position, it is less physically challenging but more of a challenge on your state of mind. You must be mentally strong to play keeper.”
(21).
Reflecting on the game, freshman Evan Snook said,“I just try to stay positive and composed, it’s a long season and it’s important to stay focused on what is next and not the past.”
two yellow cards. Bladimir Lopez (18) and Sebastian Martinez
Isabella Petty, IV Leader Photos
Jabulile Mooketsi
Kalie Andersen
Photo Submitted by Sonia Arteaga
Clare Phillips, IV Leader Graphic Designer
Cross country women finish as runner-ups
The Illinois Valley Community College women’s cross country brought home the 2025 NJCAA Region 4 Runner Up plaque on Saturday at Settler’s Hill Cross Country Course in Geneva. The IVCC women came in second in the Championship Cross Country Meet behind a very strong Moraine Valley Community College team.
On a National Stage Eagles win it
By Packston Miller IV Sports Editor
The IVCC women’s tennis team faced off in the Region 4 Divison II Women’s Tennis Championship where they finhised first place. They grabbed 19 points throughout the tournament finishing 7 points above 2nd and 8.5 points ahead of 3rd. Grace Pecchio got 3rd for the Eagles in the singles championship winning in two matches (6-3, 6-1).Other standouts for the Eagles were Raleigh Leininger (5th
place) and Mina James (6th place)who both won there matches. In doubles Izzy Pecchio and Raleigh Leininger finished in second place notching a good slate of points for the team. They won their match in two sets (7-6, 6-1). All would not have been possible without the help from Coach of the Year Julie Milota. With this win, the Eagles have earned their spot at the NJCAA National Tournament in Tyler, TX in May 2026.
“I’m so proud of these young women. They all did what they had to do Saturday to make sure the team succeeded,” Matt Baker, IVCC Cross Country coach, said. “We’ve been working to build these programs over the past three years of the cross country program, and this group has shown the progress we’re making. I hope success like this can inspire more of our local runners to consider being part of IVCC in the future.”
IVCC freshmen Addyson Miller, an Ottawa High School graduate, and sophomore Tatiana Serna, a
Celebrating national pride
When we speak of national pride, we think about singing the national anthem or waving a flag, but it’s more than that: it’s about celebrating who we are, our identity and the struggles as citizens.
From the youngest student to the oldest of grandparents, we all play a role in the country.
Communities across the world find different ways to celebrate their pride. Some do it through traditional dances and music that have been passed down from generation to generation while others celebrate by sharing a warm meal, art, and even through language.
These celebrations are meant to remind us of our diversity, and it’s something
that should not divide us, but rather define us. These experiences help us stay connected to our roots and serve as a reminder that identity should be preserved, honored, and shared.
Maya Angelo once said, “Be proud of yourself for how hard you’re trying, for how far you’ve come.”
National pride reflects how far we have come as a country, the many historical achievements, the milestones and the different variety of traditions. It’s not about perfection or modesty but rather about every citizen, every story, every voice that helps shape our country.
For me, one thing I am looking forward to with the upcoming FIFA World Cup
in summer 2026 is hearing the national anthem of South Africa being played as my team enters the stadium. I was able to play on the U18 champ of champ’s national squad. That experience highlighted for me how important national pride is in shaping identity.
To celebrate who you are is to celebrate your country because no matter what you do or where you come from, you are important to its heartbeat.
By Jabulile Mooketsi IV Leader Columnist
Fieldcrest High School graduate, were recognized as national qualifiers by placing in the top 15. They finished in 12th and 15th places, respectively.
“We knew Addy had so much potential coming into the season. She really fought all the way through these last couple of races to lead our women in some competitive fields,” Baker said. “And Tati has been such an important member of the team. Always giving everything she has, even when struggling with injuries. She’s the first person to want to push herself and her teammates to try harder. This is a
great way to recognize all she’s done for the Eagles.”
The women’s 5KM results were:
Addyson Miller (12th, 23:54)
Tatiana Serna (15th, 24:51)
Meghann Ostler (19th, 25:32)
Kailey Goetsch (22nd, 26:12)
Sophia Woods (26th, 27:24)
Claire Durdan (32nd, 30:27)
In the men’s 8 KM race, the Eagles finished four runners.
The men’s results were: Oliver Ruvalcaba (30th, 36:30)
Kevin Rynke (33rd, 38:27)
Ayden Barajas (34th, 39:40)
Vance Redlich (36th, 43:35)
Eagles finish strong
The Illinois Valley Community College women’s volleyball team continued its hot streak the Monday the 13th night, defeating Joliet Junior College in four sets (25-14, 25-23, 20-25, 25-21) to claim its third consecutive victory.
IVCC came out strong in the opening set, using dominant net play and aggressive serving to take early control of the match. After a close second set win, the Eagles stumbled slightly in the third, but quickly regrouped to close out the match in the fourth behind balanced offense and strong defense.
Unfortunately, the team saw its three-match winning streak come to an end Wednesday night the 15th, falling in three sets to Carl Sandburg College (22-25, 20-25, 14-25).
The IVCC Women’s Volleyball Team pulled off a hard-fought victory over Black Hawk on Wednesday, October 22, winning in five sets (22-25, 25-16, 19-25, 2624, 16-14). Bouncing back from their previous game the Eagles showed grit and determination, battling back late in the match to secure the win in a nail-biting fifth set.
The IVCC Women’s Volleyball Team closed out their final home match of the season with an impressive four-set victory over Waubonsee Community College on Friday night (21-25, 25-13, 25-21, 25-23). After dropping the opening set, the Eagles regrouped and dominated the next three behind strong offensive and defensive performances grabbing backto-back wins.
Submitted photo
Cross Country includes (from left) Vance Redlich, Kevin Rynke, Addyson Miller, Claire Durdan, Kailey Goetsch, Tatiana Serna, Meghann Ostler, Sophia Woods, Ayden Barajas, and Oliver Ruvalcaba.
