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PRIDE A Guide to Achievements in our Local High Schools
PRIDE
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To our readers,
W
elcome to the latest edition of Pride. Within the pages of this edition, you will learn of recent achievements at our local high schools, whether in academics, sports or extracurricular activities. All of the content for Pride was submitted by the schools. We hope you enjoy this issue of Pride. We extend a special thank you to all of the schools and advertisers for their participation in this publication. Pride would not have been possible without them.
What’s inside Amboy High School ......................................................................4 Ashton-Franklin Center High School ..........................................6 Bureau Valley High School ...........................................................7 Byron High School ........................................................................8 Chadwick-Milledgeville District 399..........................................10 Dixon High School ......................................................................12 Eastland High School ..................................................................16 Erie High School ..........................................................................19 Faith Christian School ................................................................21 Forreston High School ................................................................22 Fulton High School .....................................................................23
Publisher Sam R Fisher
Morrison High School .................................................................25
Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta
Oregon High School ....................................................................30
Page Design Christopher Heimerman
Prophetstown High School.........................................................34
Advertising Sales Jill Reyna Kelly Shroyer
Rock Falls Township High School .............................................37
Newman Central Catholic High School ....................................28 Polo High School .........................................................................32 Rochelle Township High School ................................................36 Sterling High School ...................................................................41 Fulton Unity High School ...........................................................45 West Carroll High School............................................................46
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Amboy High School
The Amboy band and color guard perform on the field at The Harbor during a Clippers football game. It’s not uncommon for football players to grab their instrument and their spot at halftime to perform. Participating in a variety of activities is the Clipper way.
‘Excellence every day’ W
hen I reflect upon Pride and Amboy High School, my thoughts lead me to my students. I am consistently amazed by the dedication that they display every day. It is very common for our students to be involved in multiple activities and athletics throughout the year. Mr. Wissinger, our counselor, was working on a letter of recommendation for one of our seniors, and he showed me a list of her accomplishments. During the past 4 years, she has been a member of the band (concert and marching), Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Student Council, and Future Farmers of America, has worked backstage for the fall play, played in the orchestra pit during the spring musical, has been a three-sport athlete (volleyball, basketball, and softball), maintained a 4.0
GPA and earned a 30 on her ACT. I am and always will be very proud of this young lady. She has proved that at Amboy, a student can pursue “excellence every day” and graduate from Amboy High School ready for whatever path she chooses to walk in life.
Academics I’m pleased to announce that we have 10 Prairie State Achievement Award winners this year, and we have expanded our advanced placement offerings to include AP U.S. History. This year, we have created a science technology engineering and mathematics class. In Mr. Browne’s STEM class, students have the opportunity to “do science.” The students have already built air conditioners, an infinity mirror, two hovercrafts, and one group
is working on programing an Arduino board that will allow them to steer and drive a small toy car by light. Amboy remains committed to our freshmen Clippers, Set Sail! program. The Clippers, Set Sail! teachers have taken students to Northern Illinois University, Rock Valley Com-
munity College, Morrison Institute of Technology and Educators of Beauty. These trips help students explore future career opportunities. I’m also very proud of the fact that all of last year’s incoming freshmen students advanced AMBOY CONTINUED ON 5
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The World Travel Club stops for a photo opportunity during a visit to a volcano. A trip to Italy and the French Riviera is being planned for 2016.
Bank on
your
schedule
Club travels world AMBOY
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I would like to congratulate the six students moving on to the IMEA district competition and look forward to their performance at the District 8 regional concert in DeKalb. One of our choir students has earned a national distinction, as well. The musical students performed a sold-out run of the “Wizard of Oz” last spring, and this fall, they are performing Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book.” I would like to be able to tell you what the spring musical is, but I have been sworn to secrecy under penalty of death if I so much as utter a word. For those of you who cannot wait, they will announce the decision after the fall play’s final performance. In June, Spanish teacher Mrs. Sondgeroth led the World Travel Club on a 10-day trip to Costa Rica. The club is already planning its next trip to Italy and the French Riviera in 2016. If you
or your child is interested in attending, please contact Señora Sondgeroth.
Athletics Amboy continues its strong athletic tradition. Both volleyball and football ended their seasons in the playoffs, the golf team for the first time in 38 years won the conference tournament and made sectionals, and for the second straight year, Megan Grady ran at the state cross country meet in Peoria, placing 63rd in Class 1A.
FFA Amboy’s strong agricultural tradition has helped create an excellent FFA program at Amboy High School. This year, we get to add two more accolades to the program’s prestigious history. Current member Nick Bickett earned a spot on the National FFA Choir and performed in front of 64,000 people at the National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, and Amboy alumnus Andrew Klein is serving as this year’s State reporter. Congratulations, gentlemen.
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Ashton-Franklin Center High School
Technology key at AFC A
shton Franklin Center High School has made the commitment to provide its students with technological opportunities. We began this process several years ago using money received from the REAP grant to purchase various technological items to use throughout the district. One classroom item purchased several years ago was a SMART board for each classroom, which enables the teacher to project items from their computers onto the board. There are many ways these can be used to enhance instruction. Other items that have been purchased include an ELMO to project items from a book onto a screen, individual iPads for teachers, and a mobile laptop cart that teachers can take into their classrooms for instruction. Two years ago, we made the commitment to continue our technological advancement by beginning a 1:1 program. We began by purchasing mini iPads for our freshman class. Chrome books have been purchased for incoming freshmen the past 2 years. We also allow our seniors (and other students, as well) to use their laptops and cellphones during class time in order to get work done. Students are allowed to listen to music on their devices while completing homework, and they are allowed to use their electronic devices in other ways when their homework is complete. For example, they can search the Internet or play games. The latest way AFC High School is implementing technology for its students is by providing an online Spanish course. This is a virtual course in which students interact on their own devices with a certified teacher, thus allowing for more individualized instruction. This commitment to technology has made a positive impact on student engagement and homework completion. With more students able to access the technology, more students are engaged during classroom instruction time. Also, we have seen a rise in homework completion, with students being able to email assignments to teachers as well as being rewarded with Internet time after their homework is complete. We believe we are able to “reach� more students with the use of these technological items, and we will continue to provide these opportunities to our staff and students.
Commitment to technology has made a positive impact on student engagement and homework completion at AFC High School. With more students able to access the technology, more students are engaged during classroom instruction time.
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Bureau Valley High School Renaissance Program truly awakening
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his school year marks the second year of Bureau Valley’s Renaissance Program, which started off slow, but has really started to take off and leave a mark. Renaissance is a national program created to help recognize and reward students and staff for their hard work. The BVHS program does many different things to recognize and reward students, as well as build school pride. The beginning of the year started with T-shirts for the entire student body and staff, which were sponsored by CPS, an assembly with information and games, a graduation gown for seniors to sign as their commitment to graduate, and more. The Renaissance Program also continued the things that they started last year: Renaissance cards, monthly birthday cake, student and staff of the month recognition and breakfast, pop-ins, school spirit pictures, semester field trips, and more. In June, a 2-minute video was created featuring the semester field trips that BVHS Renaissance sponsors. Renaissance sponsors two field trips during the school year, in which 35 students are nominated each semester by the staff members of the school. Students are nominated for things such as behavior, academic achievements, attendance, school pride, and more. These stu-
Renaissance coordinator Tori Boyle (second from left) and senior Renaissance Executive Council bembers (from left) Rachel Brummel, Thomas Samuels and Jedidiah Barnes beam as they hold a check for $1,000 in the Drive 4 UR School video contest. dents were rewarded for their good acts and efforts by being able to attend a fully funded field trip. The students got to enjoy the morning at the bowling alley, eat lunch, and finish the afternoon with a movie (of course with popcorn and pop). In July, two BVHS Renaissance Executive Council members, Kaitlyn Ptasnik and Chase Gripp, had the opportunity to travel with coordinator Tori Boyle
to Orlando, Florida, to the Jostens National Renaissance Conference. The conference was attended by 225 different schools from all over the United States and Canada. During the conference, attendees got to listen to featured speakers, attend breakout sessions and pep rallies, meet people from other schools and states, and, of course, have a little fun at the Magic Kingdom. However, the most
exciting part of the conference was being selected as the winner in a video contest and receiving an Eagle’s Choice Award at the awards dinner and gala. Recently, BVHS Renaissance won another video contest through its fundraiser, Drive 4 UR School. Three videos were submitted featuring the school’s program, executive council, and coordinator. One of the videos BVHS submitted won an award of $1,000.
The BVHS Renaissance Executive Council has continued to grow with adding a few more members and expanding the work they do for the school. This year has been the start of the commitment to graduate signings, secret stars, Renaissance week, and more. New ideas and goals are never far with this group, as they continue to want to make a difference in their high school, their lives, and those of their peers.
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Byron High School
Byron students won second place and the Spirit Award in last year’s sculpture-building contest in Rockford, and hope to build on that success at the event in January.
Art department has a vision T
he Visual Art and Design department is going to have a busy fall and winter this year. Students took a field trip to the Art Institute Museum of Chicago on Oct. 3 to study traditional and contemporary works of art through a self-guided tour created by Mrs. Driscoll. The department will also be participating in Rockford’s snow-sculpting competition again this year. Byron students won second place and the Spirit Award last year, so this year, they are looking to take home the gold with first place. The competition will be held in January. It is simply amazing to
see these projects take shape. All are encouraged to visit the students as the sculptures are being created. Look for announcements on the Byron website (byron226.org), and cast your vote for the best sculpture in the area. The National Art Honor Society is taking a trip to Chicago’s Gallery District, where they will get to meet artists, ask questions about their work, and get a taste of a real world art scene. NAHS is also working on producing ceramic bowls for their annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser that raises money to help fight hunger by donating to local food banks.
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We are proud of all our
Local High Schools’ Achievements
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Chadwick-Milledgeville High School
The Ivy Faith Drinkall Memorial Playground at Milledgeville Elementary School was dedicated Oct. 24 to Ivy Faith, who was just 5 months old when she died last July of sudden infant death syndrome. Her two sisters, Lili and June (flanking the park’s sign) attend the school. The playground was built with $60,000 raised by the Drinkall family in Ivy Faith’s memory.
Community dedicated to its youth C
hadwick-Milledgeville school has had generous donations from community members and organizations that have improved the appearance, functionality, and culture of our school. A new playground was donated that is modern and safe, and will provide many years of play for our students. We have also received a digital marquee and scoreboard in the gym. These donations have had a huge impact on our school, and we are extremely lucky to have such a generous community. The building underwent a large renovation to maintain safety and functionality of the building. All new flooring was installed in the hallways, and new paint adorns much of the school. A state-of-theart science lab was installed that will challenge our students in many areas of science. MILLEDGEVILLE CONTINUED ON 11
Jen Drinkall and her daughters, June (left) and Lili, cut the ribbon so that children can enjoy Ivy Drinkall Memorial Park on Oct. 24 at Milledgeville Elementary School.
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ABOVE: Milledgeville High was represented at the IMEA District Music Festival in November 2013 at DeKalb High School by (from left) Zachary Herin, Cecilia Ottens, Levi Skoog, Deidre Ewers (Sr. Mixed Choir) and Kylie Patterson (Sr. Band). Additionally, Ewers was chosen to attend All State Choir in Peoria in January 2014. RIGHT: Chadwick Junior High was represented at the festival by (from left) Matthew Biller, Christian Toms-Smith (Jr. Mixed Choir), Hope Herin, and Maranique Glover (Jr. Treble Choir).
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PSAE incentive participants Each year, seniors who meet or exceed PSAE standards on the test, which is taken during their junior year, are rewarded with special outings, meals and final exam waivers. This year, participating students are Cecilia Ottens, Joshua Waite, Gabrielle Sheddan, Danielle Sheddan, Keagan Murray, Kolton Morgan, Emily Kleckler, Harrison Jakobs, Branninghan Hutchison, Breyana Henson, Kailee Forbes, Bryanna Flynn, Bailey Fisch, Baily Queckboerner, Owen Brown, Rebecca Alexander, Alan Osterhaus.
Music Department places at state The Chadwick-Milledgeville High School music department achieved success once again. The MHS band, directed by Cheryl Neumann, won third place, and the MHS choir, directed by Margo Weber, won second place for Class D schools in the IHSA State Music Sweepstakes for the 2013-14 school year. This was based on the number of total points earned from solos, ensembles, and organizations at music contest in March and April 2014.
IMEA Chadwick-Milledgeville students participated in the IMEA District Music Festival in November 2013 at DeKalb High. Chadwick Junior High
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was represented by Matthew Biller, Christian Toms-Smith (Jr. Mixed Choir), Hope Herin, and Maranique Glover (Jr. Treble Choir). Milledgeville High School was represented by Zachary Herin, Cecilia Ottens, Levi Skoog, Deidre
Ewers (Sr. Mixed Choir) and Kylie Patterson (Sr. Band). These students were under the direction of Weber and Neumann. Additionally, Deidre Ewers was chosen to attend All State Choir in Peoria in January 2014.
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Dixon High School Elbow grease meets academics at DHS
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Dixon High School students from the building trades classes, along with their teacher, Ryan Zimmerman, are shown removing and replacing the shake shingles on the Old Settlers Log Cabin.
he Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society raised the money. Dixon High School students and staff supplied the labor. The historical society asked the school’s building trades classes to assist in replacing the cedar shake roof on the Old Settlers Log Cabin. The historical society raised the money to replace the shingles, and DHS took it from there. Students from the building trade classes along with their teacher, Ryan Zimmerman, removed and replaced the shake shingles for the project. DIXON CONTINUED ON 13
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B.L.I.N.D. keeps eyes on big picture DIXON
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B.L.I.N.D. is the acronym for Building Lasting Impressions that Never Die, which is a joint effort by multiple area schools to improve the social/ emotional climate of our schools. Dixon High School will continue its activities with the freshman class with multiple minirefreshers throughout the year. The first of these was Nov. 10 during seventh and eighth perods. All ninth-graders participated and worked in small groups with DHS B.L.I.N.D. student leaders on specific developmental assets. DIXON CONTINUED ON 14
Student leaders with the Dixon B.L.I.N.D. program take a breather for a photo opportunity. The school is continuing its B.L.I.N.D. activities with the freshman class with multiple mini-refreshers throughout the 2014-15 school year.
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Extracurriculars part of life at DHS DIXON
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Dixon Marching Dukes The Dixon Marching Dukes, Drum Majors and Dance Team all earned first-place trophies at this year’s Oregon Autumn on Parade competition. The band is directed by Steve Boll, and the dance team is coached by Monique Elmendorf.
Great success in fall sports Dixon High School experienced a successful fall sports season during the 2014-15 school year. We competed in the Big Northern Conference in the West Division for the first time after spending the past few years in the Northern Illinois Big 12. Several highlights from this past season include: • Olivia Pultorak qualified for the IHSA state girls golf tournament. Jacob Bonnell, Cole Ruckman, and Olivia Pultorak all qualified for the IHSA sectional meet, as well. • Boys soccer placed third in the Big Northern Conference, and finished the season with a conference
record of 5-6-1. • Girls tennis finished in seventh place at the IHSA sectional meet, with Katie Hammitt advancing to the third round of play. • The boys and girls cross country teams both qualified for the IHSA sectional cross country meet. Girls volleyball won an IHSA regional volleyball championship for the first time since 2005, by defeating Winnebago. The Duchesses also won a sectional semifinal before seeing their season come to a close in the sectional championship. • Football advanced to the IHSA football playoffs for the 1st time since 2006 with a 7-2 regular season record. The Dukes won their firstround game against Richmond-Burton before losing to Manteno in the second round.
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Council hosts blood drive Dixon High School Student Council hosted another successful blood drive. We collected 63 pints of blood. Thank you to all the students who helped in any way, and to Subway for donating sandwiches for the drive. DIXON CONTINUED ON 15
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Math teacher wins U.S. Cellular award DIXON
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Dixon High School math teacher Tracy DuRall received recognition Oct. 21 from a group from U.S. Cellular. DuRall received a plaque from Calling All Teachers, a program conducted by U.S. Cellular in collaboration with DonorsChoose.org that supports K-12 public school teachers. One project (valued between $100 and $1,000) per teacher was considered from Aug. 11 to Sept. 21. Teachers submitted projects for funding consideration by going to DonorsChoose.org. Each teacher wrote an essay, labeled their project and submitted a classroom photo. CAT reaches teachers and students in every corner of U.S. Cellular’s markets.
Dixon High School math teacher Tracy DuRall received a plaque Oct. 21 from Calling All Teachers, a program conducted by U.S. Cellular in collaboration with DonorsChoose.org that supports K-12 public school teachers.
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Eastland High School It takes a village in Lanark
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A generous donation from American Legion Post 357 was part of the $800 raised for the Wounded Warriors Project by Eastland High School during the week of a girls basketball game against LenaWinslow in Lanark.
he Eastland High School Student Council designated the week of Feb. 3 as Wounded Warrior Week. Several activities took place to collect money that was donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Visit woundedwarriorproject.org for more information on the charity. The Pie in the Face contest took place from Jan. 28 to Feb. 6. Collection cans were circulated around the school and at home basketball games. The three volunteers with the most money in their cans received a pie in the face at the high school assembly. EASTLAND CONTINUED ON 17
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School spirit, funds raised at hoops games EASTLAND
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Many thanks to boys senior basketball player Dalton Shaner and girls senior basketball
player Courtney Walker and her coach, Colleen Henze, who all took a pie for the cause. Another event was a taco supper that brought in about 120 people before the
girls basketball game against conference rival Lena-Winslow. Thank you to all the Eastland and Lena-Winslow fans who attended. More than $800 was col-
lected (including a generous donation from the American Legion Post 357) through the various activities during the week. EASTLAND CONTINUED ON 18
The girls basketball team, coached by Colleen Henze, placed third at the IHSA state basketball tournament in February.
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Cougars collect honors in arts, academics EASTLAND
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Seniors honored at annual gala Thirty-six Eastland seniors were honored May 14 at the 14th annual Award and Scholarship Night. Local businesses, organizations, memorial funds, colleges, and individuals donated more than $60,000 in scholarships. Departmental awards of excellence, as well as numerous other awards, also were presented. A successful event such as this would not be possible without the tremendous support of Eastland area businesses and individuals.
Artwork juried into Rockford museum Congratulations to Farrah Stubbe, Karalicia Kennedy, Shandi Groezinger and Alyssa Multhauf, who all had artwork juried into the Rockford Art Museum’s 73rd Young Artist Show. Out of 927 entries, only 176 were selected to be in the show. The exhibit will be displayed March 2 through April 6.
Artists honored at Highland Congratulations to art student winners in the 44th
Students (from left) Farrah Stubbe, Alyssa Multhauf, Shandi Groezinger and Karalicia Kennedy had artwork juried into the Rockford Art Museum’s 73rd Young Artist Show. Annual Highland Community College District High School Juried Art Exhibit. Destiny Zahn received first place and an honorable mention; Hannah Wilczynski received Best of School; and honorable mentions went to Alyssa Multhauf, Jared Gaughan, and Shandie Groezinger. In all, 26 Eastland art students had their work juried into the show. The work is displayed in Ferguson Gallery through April 29.
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Erie High School
In its return to IHSA football postseason, Erie-Prophetstown lost a 48-34 slugfest to St. Joseph Ogden in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs.
Administration aims for A’s E
rie High School places emphasis on the A’s of academics, attitudes and athletics.
Academics EHS once again achieved academic success with this year’s 41 seniors achieving the school’s highest average ACT overall scores to date. The average for the class was a 22.1, while the average for the core students achieved an average of 24.5. The local Prairie State Achievement Examination saw 70 percent of EHS juniors meet the state level of 55 percent in reading, 85 percent in math – compared to 52 percent at the state level – and 77 percent in science against the
50 percent norm at the state level. The end of the first quarter showed 66 students on the high honor roll, with eight receiving straight A’s, and 70 others on the regular honor roll. Our juniors and seniors have the opportunity to earn college credit while attending high school through a dual credit program with Black Hawk College in Moline. Classes offered this year are literature 190, social problems 102, English 205 (topics in literature) and psychology 101. Previous courses offered were composition 101 and 102, sociology, speech, literature, and art appreciation. ERIE CONTINUED ON 20
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The Erie-Prophetstown girls cross country team qualified for the Class 1A Oregon Sectional, and the boys team placed fifth in the 1A Rock Falls Regional.
EHS students getting head start on college ERIE
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Presently, we have 42 students who start their day with a college class at 7:30 a.m. The district has backed this program whole-heartedly by reimbursing the students 75 percent of their tuition each semester if their grades are an A, or reimbursement of 50 percent for a B. Graduating seniors can already have earned 18-20 hours of college credit. Some of our students challenge themselves even further and take online classes to increase their college credits. It’s a tribute to these students who manage to be a high school student, a college student, an athlete and still be involved in other extra-curricular groups.
Attitudes A small school of 213 students finds its pupils working hard to promote positive attitudes, in spite of personal adversities and the media highlighting so many bad things happening to schools around the nation. Two programs used in the past (Friends of Rachel Scott, Columbine, Colorado, victim; and B.L.I.N.D.) have played a part in educating the students to be a friend, do kindness activities and help others whenever possible. Couple those efforts with
our Student Council and National Honor Society, and we have a winning combination to help set an example for life for our students. Both the council and NSH sponsor blood drives each year, and have succeeded in meeting or exceeding the goals set forth by the American Red Cross each time. NHS also does other service projects. Plans are being made once again to collect food items of the local food pantry, as well as hats, socks, scarves and mittens for the less fortunate. The students also support the local Fireflies group at Christmas time by selecting Christmas cards for a child for the local angel tree, and sponsoring the town Easter egg hunt. Past group projects and individual service hours have included helping at shelters, raising relief items for tornado victims, and spreading holiday cheer for veterans. Recently, EHS lost two of its students in a car accident. NHS quickly swung into action and organized fundraisers for the families. Dodgeball and volleyball tournaments were played for 3 days during the eighth-hour study hall, and a biscuits-and-gravy breakfast was also served. More than $600 was donated in the 3 days. The students responded in a positive way, in spite of all the adversity that unexpected deaths bring to a small school.
The Erie girls golf team qualified for the Class A Eastland Sectional golf meet, where the Cardinals placed fifth as a team, just two spots away from making state.
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Faith Christian High School Blessed trip to Belize
S
eniors take missions trip to Belize This year, the seniors at Faith Christian School partnered with Praying Pelican Missions Organization to take a trip to Belize. Our team partnered with a local pastor and church in a part of Belize City, called Rootsville. Our team’s was the first mission trip to partner with this particular church in Belize. They were very excited and gracious toward us, even though many people from the church spoke only Spanish. Throughout the week, we were involved in children’s after-school programs, visits to an orphanage, visits to Sister Cecilia’s Home for the Elderly, food distribution, and home visits to 20 needy families from the church. The girls were also able to bless the pastor’s family with a new washing machine and laptop. It was a very rewarding and eyeopening week for our team, and we were very blessed for our opportunity to serve others in Belize.
Students serve others This year, our high school students were given the opportunity to participate in a service project each quarter of the school year. The service projects included working with kids at an after-school program in Chicago; packing supplies and working in the kitchen at an after-school program in the kitchen at the Rockford Rescue Mission; and packing food at Feed My Starving Children. Students also did cleanup at area locations and helped collect items for the local food pantries. Everyone greatly enjoyed meeting new people and learning about the organizations they were serving.
This year, the seniors at Faith Christian School partnered with Praying Pelican Missions Organization to take a trip to Belize.
Sports and activities Faith Christian High School is committed to providing students a quality education with a Christian worldview. Here is just a sample of what we offer: Sports • Boys and girls soccer • Boys and girls basketball • Boys and girls volleyball • Boys and girls golf Activities • National Honor Society • Key Club • Student Council • Band • Choir • Spring musical • Senior missions trip
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• Varsity girls volleyball firstst place at state • NICC Conference awardwinners: Mike DiGrazia (soccer honorable mention), Ben Bierdman (soccer honorable mention), Zach Lessman (soccer first team), Andrew Robertson (soccer first team), Ben Babler (soccer first team), Katie Cover (volleyball honorable mention), Stacia Hamill (volleyball second team), Sarah Smith (volleyball first team), and Tressa Schuler (volleyball MVP)
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Forreston High School
Meet Forreston High School’s ACT scholars. Two levels of achievement give students goals to set.
Honoring achievement A
cademic achievement is the goal of any educational system, and when that goal is met or exceeded, recognition of that success is important. Through a collaborative effort between students and Forreston Junior Senior High School Principal Michael Mandzen, a new Honors Program was created to recognize student achievement. The program is designed to encourage and motivate students to push themselves to take rigorous courses while in high school. One of the main focuses of the honors program is to challenge students to take our capstone courses in various subject areas, especially during the senior year, when many students are looking to create an easy, less-stressful class schedule. Taking our most demanding courses will create learning opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge and
Total Achievement status To be awarded a Total Achievement status, students must meet that basic criteria, plus pass at least three capstone or college level courses with grades of C or better, and earn at least a 2.67 (B-minus) grade-point average.
Highest Achievement
expand their ability to apply skills within specific content areas, and challenge their creative and analytical thinking. Our program concentrates on what is important in school: learning and advancing that learning at high levels of thinking. The new Honors Program recognizes two distinct levels of achievement. In both
levels, students must meet or exceed on each of the three Prairie State Achievement Examination subject area tests: reading, math and science. The students must also demonstrate good citizenship and have no suspensions or acts of gross misconduct, aggression, or violence during junior or senior year.
To qualify for the second and highest level of distinction, Highest Achievement, the student must meet the basic criteria, plus pass at least five capstone or college level courses with grades of B-minus or above, and earn a 3.67 (A-minus) GPA. Those earning the honor distinctions will be recognized at the annual end of the year Honors Night, where they will be presented an honor cord to wear during the commencement ceremony.
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Fulton High School Through our lens, the future is bright BY BREVIN MASON Fulton High School senior
T
he 2013-14 media publications class has something to brag
about. Not only has the class shown off its well-known Week in Review videos, which recap the previous week highlighting Steamer events. Now the class has built something much more significant – the yearbook. Media publication students spent countless hours completing a remarkable yearbook full of memories that students of FHS can cherish for a lifetime. In June, some students of paid a visit to the Figge Art museum in Davenport, Iowa. The class was invited to the museum by its yearbook representative, Jim Straub of Walsworth Yearbooks, to not only attend, but be recognized at the convention for the outstanding performance creating the yearbook. Before the start of the 201415 school year, Mr. Hoese and a few media publications members were asked to speak at yearbook workshops in Geneseo and Galesburg. Schools from all around the Quad City area attended these workshops to learn and capture ideas for their new yearbooks. Once again, the media publications class was
The media publications class at Fulton High School has been recognized for its innovative work on the yearbook. The students are shown holding photo collages created for them by teacher and advisor Jeff Hoese. recognized for its exceptional achievements in the yearbook at these workshops. Now that school is back in full swing, bright new students are sitting in the media publications class, ready and eager to be a part of the next big thing at Fulton High School. Five students are returning to the class this year, happy to help lead this class on to big things that lie ahead. The future looks very bright through the lens of everyone in media publications class.
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Morrison High School No such thing as lost arts
orrison has always had a tradition of culture greatly influenced by the arts. Both the community and its students are not only involved in art, music, and theatre; but they bring a certain level of talent and experience to each field, making the town an incredibly strong presence in the cultural world. Morrison offers a wide range of music programs both in the community and at the high school. At Morrison High School, nearly 10 percent of the student population is involved in band, which has been directed by Dave Bean for the past few decades. While the band begins regular marching performances during the football season, its debut concert will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 in the MHS auditorium. All are welcome to attend. Morrison High School also has a very prestigious madrigal group, a choir that dresses in Renaissance clothing and sings songs from that era. It is one of the oldest in the state, going on 38 years. Each winter, the madrigals put on a holiday dinner and tea. This year’s performances will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 20. Please contact Ms. Zahora, director of choral activities at meagan.zahora@morrisonschools.org if you are interested in attending. Reservations are being taken now. Each spring, Morrison puts
Morrison High School boasts a madrigal group with a deep, rich history. Visit morrisonchoir.weebly.com to read all about the ensemble, its schedule and more on the school’s fine arts. on a musical. Last year, “The ibly strong art program. If you Wizard of Oz” was an incredible walk through the hallways of success. The level of student the high school, you can’t help and community involvement but to notice both the classiwas unparalleled, and the percal and student-made art that formance was incredibly fun. adorns the walls. There are also This year, Morrison is excited murals located throughout the to announce its performance school. It goes to show that of “Thoroughly Modern Milthe school and community lie.” Though this musical might not be as widely known as “The Wizard of Oz,” it is no less entertaining. The story follows Millie, a young actress in the 20s who makes the big move to New York to pursue wealth and fame. She has hilarious expectations, meets some pretty interesting characters, and finds herself investigating an evil plot. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” will premiere at 7 p.m. May 8, with further performances at 7 p.m. May 9 and 2 p.m. May 10. Please visit morrisonchoir.weebly.com for regular updates. Morrison also has an incred-
embrace the fresh artistic talents its students have to offer. Every year, the students and community participate in an event that is native to Morrison called Paint the Town. This event is a celebration of art in the community, and it allows community members to paint a square on Main Street. It is a widely attended event and one that the town greatly cherishes. The art program at MHS also puts on a show each year that happens to coincide with the musical. It is highly recommended that the events are attended in succession. It makes for a great night of culture, first viewing some truly spectacular works of art, and then attending a stellar production (each for a fraction of the price they would be in any major city). MORRISON CONTINUED ON 27
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Drivers education a chief focus at MHS MORRISON
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In drivers education, we do several things. There is hands-on driving, which allows for instruction while driving. We encounter all kinds of driving, such as interstate driving on I-80 and -88, as well as driving on gravel and winter roads. We cover city driving, along with how to park in angled, straight and parallel parking spaces. In the classroom, there is hands-on work, in which we use technology. We use sites for different driving topics. We student new laws and cover other licenses, such as motorcycle and CDL licenses. We cover motorcycle and bicycle safety. We work on learning to avoid simple traffic errors. We also have guest speakers like the chief of police, who explain traffic stops and citations. We have had a guest speaker who is a deputy chief of police from Cook County. He discusses the consequences of distracted driving, and we also have had a speaker who comes to talk about motorcycle safety, and how to get your motorcycle license. When finished with drivers ed at Morrison High School, students have a foundation of what is needed to be a safe and defensive driver in the state of Illinois.
Drivers education at Morrison High School often features guest speakers, including police chiefs.
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Newman Central Catholic High School
Service with a smile
Photo submitted by Paul Gierhart
ABOVE: Erin Allen shows off an art project inspired by adversity. The Allen family has had multiple brushes with cancer. “She’s more expressive now than ever before,” Amber Allen says about her daughter’s newfound outlet in art. RIGHT: The Newman Student Ambassadors Program members are shown promoting Newman Central Catholic High School at Culver’s for a Newman Night. They spent two evenings sharing their stories with patrons and promoting the Catholic education Newman offers. The group actively participates at social events, church functions, community parades and the school’s annual open house.
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ABOVE: Newman students took part in the Illinois Music Educators Association District 8 Music Festival, a daylong event comprised of advanced music students throughout northwest Illinois. Students go through a rigorous audition process in order to be selected to the band, choir, or orchestra. The groups then rehearse under the direction of a prominent guest conductor and perform a concert at DeKalb High School. RIGHT: Newman choir members were selected for the Three Rivers Music Festival at Augustana College. They spent the day rehearsing and performing under the direction of Dr. Robert Sinclair from Vandercook College of Music.
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Oregon High School
Oregon High School band member Kelsey Pudlas grabs a comfortable seat for a photo opportunity with the OHS Hawk. The Marching Hawks won the Geneseo Maple Leaf Classic, the first championship in a field show in the history of the school.
National treasure O
regon High School sees continued success going into the 2014-15 school year after bing nationally recognized three times since 2012. First it was recognized by U.S. News & World Reports as one of the nation’s best high schools in 2012. Second, it was recognized as by Newsweek/Daily Beast in 2013 as the 660th-ranked high school in the United States. It was recognized again by Newsweek/Daily Beast in 2014 as 616th–ranked high school in the U.S. With more than 25,000 public high schools in the U.S.,
OHS ranks in the top 7 percent in the country.
can take through Sauk Valley Community College, with free tuition offered to students takAcademics ing courses on the OHS camOregon High School contin- pus. These courses include: ues to offer a comprehensive psychology/sociology, rhetoric slate of advanced placement and composition, chemistry, courses for the 2014-15 school Western civilization, and digital year. media and speech. Nearly 90 OHS students can take the percent of the Class of 2014 following slate of AP courses took at least one advanced on site: AP art history; AP U.S. placement or dual-credit history; AP calculus AB; AP course before graduating. calculus BC; AP probability and statistics; AP Spanish; AP Faculty and student environmental science; AP recognition U.S. government; and AP litIn October, OHS visual arts erature. OHS students also have a vari- teacher Cheryl Bunton was recognized as teacher of merit ety of dual-credit courses they
at the Those Who Excel celebration, sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education. Bunton is among the seven faculty members who are National Board-certified teachers. Those teachers include Jan Pattat, John Zuber, Megan Adams, Danyel Larsen, Kim Radostits and Aaron Sitze. OHS senior Ben Baldwin was named as a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist in August. Ben is the first OHS student in recent school history to be recognized as a semifinalist. OREGON CONTINUED ON 31
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OHS commits to classroom, community OREGON
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Music The Oregon High School Marching Hawks received first place at the Geneseo Maple Leaf Classic, the first championship in a field show in the history of the school. The OHS music program is involved in ILMEA and IHSA. This year, 20 OHS students were selected for the alldistrict band and choir through the ILMEA audition process. Last year, five students qualified for ILMEA allstate ensembles, and one student was selected for the future music educator seminar. At 2014 IHSA organizational contest, both band and choir received superior ratings. The OHS music program placed 4th in Class B IHSA music contest overall. The OHS band placed 3rd in state in its own division.
Service Oregon High School continues to believe strongly in service to its community. At the end of the 2013-14 school year, students had performed more than 21,000 hours of community service. OHS also had five students from the Class of 2014 earn Silver Service Cord recognition, having performed more than 400 hours of community service. They were recognized at their graduation ceremony for their efforts. The Class of 2014 also had 21 Premier Scholars, who met the following criteria: must meet or exceed performance benchmarks on the Prairie State Achievement Exam; maintain at least a 3.0 grade-point average; participate in at least eight extra-curricular activities by second semester their senior year; perform 80 hours of community service by third quarter of their senior year; take at least one advanced placement or dualcredit course by the end of their senior year.
Athletics OHS had another successful year in athletic competition during the 2013-14 school year. Highlights for the Hawks included: • The Lady Hawks volleyball team finished with a record of 29-9-1, winning an IHSA 2A regional championship and advancing to a sectional championship game.
OHS senior Ben Baldwin was named as a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist in August. Ben is the first OHS student in recent school history to be recognized as a semifinalist. • The Hawks football team advanced to the second round of the IHSA Class 3A playoffs, before falling to the eventual state runner-up. • For the first time, OHS fielded a girls golf team, which advanced to an IHSA sectional. The OHS boys golf team also advanced to the sectional level. • The Lady Hawk girls basketball team finished with an outstanding record of 19-12 and won an IHSA Class 2A regional championship. • Both the OHS boys basketball and girls softball programs won the White Pines Officials Association Sportsmanship Award for the northwest/north central Illinois region. • The Hawks wrestling team had three wrestlers advance to the state finals. In addition to their fine accomplishments on the field, court, mat, or diamond, OHS athletes donated more than 1,100 hours of community service back to the area through various events. It’s great to be an Oregon Hawk!
At the end of the 2013-14 school year, Oregon High School students had performed more than 21,000 hours of community service. OHS also had five students from the Class of 2014 earn Silver Service Cord recognition, having performed more than 400 hours of community service. They were recognized at their graduation ceremony for their efforts.
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Polo High School
Art in full bloom BY JAMIE L. HARMON Polo Community Schools art instructor
A
s I continue into my 15th year of teaching the students of PCHS, I often wonder how the art department has gotten to where it is. I look around and see the amazing art created by young kids throughout the years. The awards that hang in the art room. The paintings that adorn the halls. and the doodles that cover the notebooks. They’re all signs of the kids’ love of art here in Polo. The dedication, talent and excitement of the students have landed us in a notable position among state schools. In this past year alone, the list of accomplishments is astounding (and long!). During the 2013-14 school year, the PCHS art department was awarded with: • Second place overall in the Congressional Art Competition. Madison Merdian’s sunflower still hangs in Congressman Adam Kinzinger’s office. • Eight of the top 12 place finishes in Woodlawn Arts Academy’s student art competition, including all three first-place awards in each age division • First place in the high school division of the Sauk
es. We participate in many activities. We began creating and producing the PCHS yearbook last year. Twenty-five students and I, for the past 13 years, have participated in Morrison’s Paint the Town. The windows at this spectacular event are our canvases. You also will spot us in Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis on our jam-packed, ambitious art field trips. The trips are done in conjunction with Morrison High School’s art department. The day usually starts at 4 a.m. and ends around midnight on a few chosen Saturdays throughout the school year. We visit museums, ride the subways, eat at a variety of Madison Merdian’s sunflower, submitted in the Congressio- odd restaurants, shop and most nal Art Competition, still hangs in Congressman Adam Kinz- recently attended the coveted inger’s office. “David Bowie Is” exhibit at the Valley Art Competition tary division. Museum of Contemporary Art • Fourth place in the high Keep your eyes on us – we in Chicago. school division of the Sauk are soon to be entering the Murals can be found Valley Art Competition Northern Illinois University throughout the middle school • Fourth place in the junior high school show, the Conand high school, and somehigh division of the Sauk Val- gressional Art Competition, times even the sidewalks are ley Art Competition Woodlawn, and a few state full of color. The start of this current competitions. I have had the pleasure of school year already brings I am very proud of what my working with such great stuthree awards through the talented students achieve, but dents and parents over the Grand Detour Art Show/Next will continue to push them many years. The program Picture Show. In the high to new levels. We can always would not achieve the level it school division, Lana Scholl do more in the arts from does without them. I greatly earned first, and Jake Hanthe small town in which we appreciate this and look lon took second. In the same belong. forward to seeing what art art show, Denesy Lackland But the art department is will come from 61064 in the placed fourth in the elemenmore than just winning prizfuture.
Receiving scholarships leads to paying it forward Several of Polo Community High School’s finest students came together May 18 at Honors Night, to be awarded more than $25,000 in local scholarships. This year, the ceremony honored more than 15 recipients through 24 different scholarships; some scholarships went to a single student, while others went to multiple recipients.
The various scholarships offered had a multitude of requirements for the candidates. Each one has its own criteria when choosing the recipient(s). Some donors have the candidates write an essay or go through an interview process, while other scholarships require the students to continue their posthigh school education within
specific educational fields. Polo’s local scholarships have a huge impact on these young men and women. In addition to significant financial help in paying for their education, the scholarships also are concrete evidence to them that they are important to the local donors, as well as to the Polo community. Bev and Bill Burkardt, found-
ers of the William and Beverly Burkardt Family Foundation, NFP Scholarship, chose eight scholarship recipients for this year’s scholarship. The winners were Owen Bailey, Casandra Kurschner, Ashlie Lowry, Allison Reeder, Miguel Dominguez, Justin Archer, Peyton Taylor, and Austin Dollmeyer. POLO CONTINUED ON 33
PRIDE
Community service builds skills for life POLO
CONTINUED FROM 32
Last year, Polo Community High School implemented a volunteer hour requirement for all graduates. Each student must successfully complete 10 volunteers hours during every school year attended. The purpose for this graduation requirement is to get the students involved within the local community as well as to “give back” to the Polo community and the surrounding areas, in exchange for the communities’ continued support. Senior Allie Stover has
volunteered at Dixon’s Granny Rose Animal Shelter, raked her elderly neighbors’ lawns, volunteered at her church’s Trunk or Treat event, and also helped a house-bound elderly couple by picking up their meat from Chadwick. When asked what she has learned from the volunteering experience, she stated, “I have learned to be a lot more patient, especially when working with the animals at the shelter.” The students at the high school are not only helping our community members, but are they are also learning lifelong skills during the process.
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Prophetstown High School
Panther pride meets Google Drive our schools were able to rophetstown High purchase the School has experiChromebooks enced a vast amount of for $273 each. change in the past year. Along The District with a new principal and a Tech Team number of new teachers, found that PHS has also been blessed by providing Clare with some new technology – ChromeKramer Chromebooks. books for the Last year, the District Tech district, they Team, consisting of Chad “would not only put a comColmone, Cathy Hinrichs, puter into the hands of our Cindy Megli, David Rogstudents, but they would save ers, Nathan Stahr, and Gail money by becoming a Google Wright, assembled the secDrive district,” according ond Wednesday of each to Wright. This is why the month to discuss the best English teachers have been technology options our disconverting PHS students to trict has. using Google Drive instead of With the help of funding Microsoft Word. from the Education FoundaPROPHETSTOWN CONTINUED ON 35 tion and the PLT District, BY CLARE KRAMER Prophetstown senior
P
With their 8-hour battery life, the Chromebooks integrated into everyday life at Prophetstown High School make for a more powerful learning experience.
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Chromebooks offer versatility PROPHETSTOWN CONTINUED FROM 34
Students are now using Google Drive is an online word pad used to write essays and take notes. Google Drive provides a better source to converse essays or projects with teachers and classmates. Instead of always having to print out projects, students will be able to share their assignments with their teachers for them to grade. This will not only save time in printing, but also money since PHS will be using less paper. Besides having to pay a large cost for Windows 7 and Microsoft Office for each computer, another deciding factor for getting Chromebooks through Acer was the 8-hour battery life. With each student having a full 8 hours of battery life for the day, they can get a lot accomplished.
Getting Chromebooks “really expands the learning opportunities for our students,” Mrs. Wright said. Many teachers have had “awesome lessons they wanted to do with students that required the use of websites or access to computers,” she added. The media center is commonly booked with other classes. The Chromebooks will allow teachers to conduct their lessons in the classroom instead of having to go to the media center, where there is always a chance that it is already occupied. Grades 3-12 will also be receiving Chromebooks in the near future. Even the little tykes get them! However, grades 3-8 will have to leave their Chromebooks in the classroom every day, while the high-schoolers get to take theirs home during the whole school year.
The high school was the first in the district to acquire the Chromebooks. “We hope to have the Chromebooks for grades 3-8 by the end of the first semester – sooner if there is no delay in the manufacturing process,” Mrs. Wright said. Since PHS is getting snazzier with the new Chromebooks, we must learn to take good care of them. The Chromebooks will also be filtered, even when the students are at home. Each student is responsible for charging the Chromebook before school so it has a full 8-hour battery life. Students should learn to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. “It is a choice each student has to make, especially the decision on whether they are going to learn and master the content so they can become productive, employed citizens,” Mrs. Wright said.
PHS at a glance
• Our entire freshman class has been on two college visits this year • Last year’s graduates: 35 percent went on to a college/university, 58 percent to community college or trade school, 5 percent to workforce, 2 percent to military • PHS offers 47 hours of dual-credit classes • PSAE scores have increased 3 consecutive years • PHS has 4 Illinois State Scholars (Rebecca Arnolts, Catherine Cooney, Mikaela Kovorik, Madline Wold) • 44 PHS students earned the National Career Readiness Certificate • PHS chorus placed second in Class C Music Sweepstakes • PHS band placed third in Class C Music Sweepstakes • Girls basketball placed second in the IHSA state tournament
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Rochelle High School
Laying out a road map for success
F
reshman parents: Semester 1 is nearly over, and it’s time for a plan. The Rochelle Township High School and its Parents Resource Network remind parents that your child’s 4-year plan is under construction. First-year students bring the plan home for review, discussion, and signatures, and the plans must be returned to RTHS before the end of the fall semester in December. What is a 4-year plan? It is a collaborative effort between the student and their counselor. High school students choose from a broad range of courses of study and elective classes. Because of very specific academic requirements for graduation, having a plan helps guide success. Creating a 4-year plan allows each freshman to discuss their interests and goals with a counselor before creating a semester-bysemester map of the classes they want and need, so both career goals and high school graduation requirements are met. “The 4-year plan is not a commitment, but a tentative look at how classes can be laid out over your student’s high school career,” counselor Laurie Pillen said. While meeting with freshmen, courses of study like academic vs career-specific programs through Kishwaukee Education Consortium are explained. Also discussed are options like early graduation and summer school, which can free up time for elective classes during the school year.
2013-14 accolades at a glance
• 23 seniors earned Illinois State Scholar distinction • 1 student scored Perfect 36 on ACT, will study at Northwestern University • 1 student earned an ROTC Scholarship, enrolled at Stanford University • 1 student won United States Congressional art contest • Class of 2014 earned $995K in scholarships ($165K local, $830 institutional) • Vocal jazz ensemble won seventh National Downbeat magazine award • 17 students competed in state-level FFA, mathematics, computer science, engineering drafting and tennis competitions • 25 seniors volunteered at least 400 hours of community service while in high school Other questions discussed: Are study halls in your best interest? Does the plan meet all mandated requirements? Do the elective classes you want fit into the plan? What would Plan B look like? Once the plan is complete, it is sent home for review, creating an excellent opportunity to talk about future plans, as well as discuss how current classes are progressing.
Four years of high school is 708 days. It passes quickly. Discussing post-high school plans and career goals is important. “We encourage parents to sit down and look at the plan,” Pillen said. “We hope it begins a conversation that continues about long-range plans, as well as the specifics of short range plans. The 4-year plan highlights student options. It shows students and parents alike how the classes fit together.” The 4-year plan should be signed and returned before the end of the fall semester (Dec. 19), because registration meetings regarding the sophomore year schedule begin after the winter break. Now is a good time for families of sophomores, juniors and seniors to revisit the 4-year plan to be sure students are on track. Eighth Grade Curriculum Night Parents of eighth-graders – next year’s freshman class – should attend Eighth Grade Curriculum Night on Dec. 3. The incoming freshmen and parents begin in the RTHS auditorium for an overview, then talk with reps of the academic departments and extra-curricular activities. The Parents Resource Network is the liaison for parents with the administration and Board of Education. All RTHS parents are welcome to participate and can receive group emails. The 4-year plan is working in Rochelle.
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Rock Falls High School
Student leaders with B.L.I.N.D work with incoming Rock Falls High School freshmen.
Mentors, leaders and more B
.L.I.N.D. is a group of high school students who have joined together with students from Dixon, Fulton, Morrison, and Newman high schools to break down stereotypes that exist in each school and among the schools. The group uses the Search Institute’s 40 developmental assets as its template for developing healthy relationships. Students elect to become a member, and then are chosen via a survey
given to the faculty. This is the 15th year B.L.I.N.D. has been incorporated into the different schools. Rock Falls has 25 student leaders, and all current grades 9-12 have participated in a freshmen retreat. Tolerance and acceptance are the two major teaching points. The student leaders attend a 3-day, 2-night retreat in early August at Camp Benson in Mount Carroll, where they receive intense training in a number of awareness
modules. A large community service project is included as part of the retreat. All freshmen attend a retreat in the fall with the other high schools’ freshmen at Westwood Sports Complex. Early-out Wednesdays are devoted to teaching the 40 developmental assets, along with a number of other personal awareness trainings to the freshmen. Six-week leadership training is a feeder opportunity for potential B.L.I.N.D. leaders, and is held
at the Center for Youth building (GPA) in Sterling. Each week, students from DHS, NHS, and RFHS meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss ways to meet their potential and to become stronger leaders. The 6-week program discusses communication, healthy relationships, personal asset building, community service, suicide prevention, and is led almost entirely by the current student leaders. ROCK FALLS CONTINUED ON 38
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Junior Optimists raise awareness, funds ROCK FALLS
CONTINUED FROM 37
The Junior Optimist Club is a group of high school students who have joined together, under the guidance of an Optimist Club, for the purpose of developing citizenship, serving the community and learning to accept the role of responsible citizens. It is sponsored by the Rock Falls Optimist Club, and its motto is “Kids helping kids.” It is the school’s community service club. There are currently five Junior Optimist Clubs in Illinois: Belleville,
Deerfield, Highland, IVC and Rock Falls. Rock Falls High School was the first to be chartered. The group, featuring 78 students in grades 9 through 12, undertakes many events and activities. For Night of the Homeless, Students sleep in boxes on the front lawn of the high school and collect donations for the PADS Homeless Shelter. Among the awards the club has won is a Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce “Shoulder to the Wheel” honor for volunteerism in 2013. The club also ran the talent show in January.
B.L.A.S.T. Bigs and Littles Are Special Together is a student-tostudent mentoring program through which high school and elementary students meet twice each month at both Dillon and Merrill schools. Each session has a “big” working with a “little” in an asset-rich activity. The activities are based upon the 40
developmental assets. Many of them incorporate arts and crafts as a vehicle for presenting the 40 assets. There are 15 students assigned to and transported to each of the elementary schools. Each session is during seventh hour. Preference is given to students who have a study hall seventh hour. The Junior Optimist club oversees B.L.A.S.T.
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Members of the Rock Falls Junior Optimists Club set up camp in boxes on the front lawn of Rock Falls High School to collect donations for the PADS Homeless Shelter and raise homelessness awareness during Night of the Homeless.
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Zombie Shuffle returns, raises funds The third annual Zombie Shuffle was held Oct. 25 at Centennial Park in Rock Falls. About 115 individual registered for the event. This year, we had a free kids fun run sponsored by Guaranteed Rate. Last year, $1,100 was given to students in character scholarships, and $1,000 was donated to the United Way with the Zombie Shuffle proceeds. Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: Wal-Mart, CGH Medical Center, Smeltzer Insurance, Sauk Valley Bank, the Illinois National Guard, Sauk Valley Detassling, Twin City Detassling, Mead’s Bike Shop, The Loop, Structural Healthcare, and Guaranteed Rate.
The winners: Overall
Dawson Smith 18:40; Shayla Moorman 22:07 12-and-under
Grant Wasson 19:31; Bailee Fortney 23:06 RFHS Student
Jon Cameron 19:34; Chelsi Blair 23:24 Masters (40 and over)
Mark Truesdell 20:36; Patty Martinez 22:07 Mid-Pack Award
Robert Russell 29:40:00
The third annual Zombie Shuffle, held Oct. 25 at Centennial Park in Rock Falls, generated funds for the United Way.
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We We Support Support Our Our Schools! Schools!
Meet Our Staff At Heritage Woods! FRONT ROW: Denise Garcia (Director of Marketing), Sharon Taylor (Dietary Service Manager), Rebecca Hawkins (Receptionist), Brenda Legaspi (Business Office/Move-In Coordinator)
BACK ROW: Ryan Schrader (Maintenance Director), Brittany Herwig (Administrator), Mia Weber (Resident Services Coordinator), Nikki Burkett (Director of Nursing), Mariann Hall (LPN)
Enjoy the worry-free lifestyle seniors deserve!
Heritage Woods is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their families. Not just any supportive living community, but one that provides exceptional care, support and dignity to all of our residents. Affordable for all incomes, call Denise Garcia for more information.
2205 Oak Grove Ave., Sterling (3 Blocks N. of W. LeFevre) Managed by BMA Management, Ltd. www.bma-mgmt.com
To arrange a visit contact Denise Garcia, Marketing Director 815-625-7045 marketing@hw-sterling-slf.com
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Sterling High School
Entering the digital age E
ven though Sterling High School is ranked by U.S. News and World Reports in the top 9 percent of high schools nationally, we remain on a quest for continual improvement. Through ongoing conversations with our graduates, we realized that while they were prepared academically, they struggled with technologycentered environments in colleges and careers. Based on this feedback and after years of research, professional development, and readying our infrastructure, this August marked the genesis of an exciting new era at Sterling High School: When the students returned in August, each was given a MacBook Air Laptop. A transformation into a true digital learning environment takes years, but the changes at Sterling High School are already visible in the program’s first 3 months. STERLING CONTINUED ON 42
The use of the MacBooks also has allowed Sterling High School students to become comfortable using both Mac and PC platforms, widening their future workplace skills.
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MacBooks aid both teachers, students
‘‘
STERLING
The pace of the classroom is much different. We can learn faster this year. We don’t have to wait to do research, because it is always available.
CONTINUED FROM 41
“The pace of the classroom is much different,” junior Mackenzie Barnhart said. “We can learn faster this year. We don’t have to wait to do research, because it is always available. We don’t have to wait to be scheduled into a computer lab to work on our papers, because we can work on them any time.” Seniors Zac Alston and Abbey Zacharski also noted that they are now learning technology skills along with their class content, better preparing them for college. The use of the MacBooks also has allowed students to become comfortable using both Mac and PC platforms, widening their future workplace skills. Teachers continue to expand the ways technology is changing curriculum and assessment, including making assessments more efficient, and allowing the teacher to collect and analyze assessment data more easily to make instructional decisions. Math teacher Alexis Rivera, for example, uses the computers to send short math assessments to students, and then send out differentiated assignments based only on the skills that individual students still need to master. He also creates instructional videos that show students how to solve math problems, and watching this video becomes the homework for the class, freeing up class time for students to actually work on solving problems with the teacher’s assistance. The “flipped” classroom model is becoming a more common approach to help teachers spend more oneon-one time with students in class, rather than having students passively listening to a lecture and then struggling with the application at
’’
Mackenzie Barnhart, SHS junior
In the classroom, procedures for handling classroom materials have changed drastically. home. and get mentally organized In addition to moving to for their day. a more student-centered, Last year, staff was using technology-rich curriculum, email to communicate with one of the goals that we have students, but students were for this year is to teach stunot checking it frequently or dents how to stay organized at all because it wasn’t easily through online tools, which accessible unless students mimics workplace skills. We went to a computer lab to have built 5 minutes into log in. our first-hour class for all This year, almost all stustudents to log in and check dents check email several emails and Skyward. times per day, creating a We want to establish strong sense of connectedcommunication as a priorness in the SHS community. ity. Those 5 minutes allow Alston noted that the Digistudents to check emails tal Learning at Sterling High from teachers, advisors, and School computers help with coaches, check their grades, other organizational issues, attendance and discipline, as well, as he has all of his
materials – notes, projects, papers – on his computer and always ready. This makes it easy to use smaller chunks of time available during the day to work on any in progress assignment. In the classroom, procedures for handling classroom materials have changed drastically. Students now access class texts, assignments, and notes online, which has dramatically reduced our paper usage and also helps students stay organized. Students know that they can find their course materials through Skyward, and this helps parents, as well. Parents have access to the same materials, so it is easy for parents to log in to Skyward and see exactly what their children are learning in class. This allows a greater degree of transparency between the classroom and home than has ever existed before. Sterling High School’s conversion to a digital learning environment is another way that Sterling Public Schools is putting the most relevant and up-to-date curricular materials and technology in the hands of its students. This way of learning will improve Sterling High School’s already nationally ranked academic environment. STERLING CONTINUED ON 44
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The family farm is rich in history. How is the next generation being prepared to carry on the traditions? Corn still king? It is, Raining supreme: but soybeans are being Spring and summer worked more into the rains seem to have put mix on Illinois farms. an end to drought. A Publication of Shaw Media
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Fall sports season one to remember STERLING
CONTINUED FROM 42
Sterling High School fall athletes are seeing unprecedented state series success. Sterling High School has nine fall sports opportunities for its student-athletes: boys and girls cross country, volleyball, football, girls tennis, boys and girls golf, boys soccer, and girls swimming. For these SHS student athletes, the fall of 2014 is one to remember. The boys and girls cross country teams finished second and third in the Northern Illinois Big 12, respectively, and both qualified for the sectional championship cross country meet, with Jonathan Landis qualifying as an individual for the state championship meet. The girls tennis team had a successful regular season and advanced two doubles teams to the IHSA state tournament. The boys and girls golf teams had successful seasons, as well. The girls team continues to build its program, and the boys team finished third in the Northern Illinois Big 12 and placed second at the regional meet, with senior Ryan Hurley earning medalist honors. At the sectional golf meet, SHS advanced Ryan Hurley to the state golf tournament where he finished 58th. The girls swim team underwent a youth movement this season and was led by freshman and conference MVP Kerry Mullan, and second team all-conference diver Kallie Zuidema, who broke both school diving records this year. The Girls Swim team will be working to advance in the sectional meet this year at Rockford Jefferson. The volleyball team finished second in the Northern Illinois Big 12, and won regional and sectional titles, the latter its first since 1981.
ABOVE: The Sterling volleyball team celebrates a victory. Opponents saw plenty of that, as the Golden Warriors won their first sectional title since 1981. BELOW: The boys soccer team continues to expect success, as well, having completed another undefeated conference slate for a Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference title. The volleyball team fell to Joliet Catholic in the supersectional level, a match shy of the state tournament. The football team finished its regular season with a winning record for the 13th year in a row and advanced to the second round of the IHSA Class 5A playoffs before bowing out to Woodstock Marian. The football team has made the playoffs 12 out of the past 13 seasons. Boys soccer continued its dominance by finishing Northern Illinois Conference play unbeaten for another conference championship. The team was led by senior Jose Uresti, the NIB12 West MVP. The soccer team also won the regional championship before losing a hard-fought sectional semifinal match to Belvidere North 3-2.
Overall, SHS has seen extensive state tournament success in the fall of 2014, yet another example of the way Sterling Public Schools’ students achieve. The student-athletes and coaches
at SHSl look to build on the fall sports’ success with success in winter sports of girls bowling, wrestling, boys swimming, competition cheer and dance, and boys and girls basketball.
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Fulton Unity High School Retreat, return, reflect, repeat
t the beginning of every school year, the Unity Christian School Student Council hosts a retreat for all students in grades 7-12. Student Council meets frequently throughout the summer to coordinate the details, including organizing speaking times, meals, and games. The entire student body (grades 7-12) takes a 2-day trip to an area camp to have fun and fellowship together. Prior to the beginning of the academic year, Unity picks out a theme. The 2014-15 academic year is focused on I Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” Every year, at retreat, a speaker chosen from the local area talks and teaches about the new theme. After each sermon/lesson, the students and a teacher break into small groups to debrief the day and the sermon. All the games incorporate working together and fun, whether it is on the Slip n’ Slide or in a game of Capture the Flag. At the end of the 2-day event, the students and faculty head back to the school, preparing to build on the fellowship and community created at retreat. All in all,
The annual retreat, taken by the entire Fulton Unity student body, incorporates working together and fun. The goal is to build fellowship and community that is carried back into the classroom throughout the school year.
retreat is a great opportunity for students to connect with each other and form a community as they transition into another academic year at Unity. It is a fun time with multiple games and activities that encourages teamwork and bonding. Retreat also provides a time for devotions, reflection, prayer, and encourages spiritual growth.
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West Carroll High School Rachel’s Egg-cellent Adventure BY RACHEL DYKSTRA West Carroll High School senior
M
y name is Rachel Dykstra, and I am a senior at West Carroll High School. I live in Thomson. And in the past 4 years, I’ve been very busy. I have four projects within my family farm, I play three sports, I participate in FFA, National Honors Society, Science Club, and Interact Club, and I am also the reporter for my FFA chapter. I’ve always been involved on my family’s farm. I’ve been raising cattle since I was about 10. Every year, I buy two calves and raise them for meat. Three years ago, I took over my dad’s sweet corn business. In the spring, my dad plants about an acre of sweet corn, and, in July, I pick the corn by hand with the help of my dad and brother. It takes about 2 weeks to pick our sweet corn patch. Then I sell all the corn to local grocery stores. I also have a rabbit project, which is more than just a hobby for me. In 2011, I bought two rabbits. That year, I entered them in the Whiteside County Fair and ended up doing very well. One of my rabbits received first place and then went on and won Best of Breed. Since then, I’ve entered my rabbits in the fair every year. The first year while having the rabbits, I bred them and ended up with eight babies. I later sold all of the babies to different customers for rabbit meat. I also bought two more rabbits of a different breed of the next year. Right now, I have only one rabbit, which I just plan to just keep as a pet. My biggest project I have is my egg business. Two years ago, I bought 200 chicks from Schlect’s Hatchery. Within about 5 months, they started to lay eggs. In order to start selling my eggs in a store, I had to have an egg-selling license. I started
ABOVE: Rachel Dykstra has a burgeoning egg business, with two coops that house about 250 chickens, which give her about 20 dozen eggs a day. And she has the buyers, too. She hopes to grow her business after graduating from West Carroll High in the spring. LEFT: Even though the egg business is booming, Dykstra helps out with other chores on the farm. It takes about 2 weeks for her, her dad and her brother to harvest the sweet corn crop. out selling about 100 dozen every other week to an organic store called Choices Natural in Rockford. I also sold eggs to a grocery store called Sullivan’s and a gas station called The Co-Z corner in Morrison. That was only the beginning of my egg business. This past year, I expanded my business. My dad, brother, and I converted an old shed into a chicken coop. So now I have two coops, which both can house about 250 chickens. In
the spring, I bought 250 more chicks. With the help of my mom, I found two more stores to sell eggs – Fairway in Clinton, Iowa, and Piggly Wiggly in Galena. In September, I started selling about 15 dozen eggs to the Farmer’s Guest House, a bed and breakfast in Galena. Altogether, I am selling eggs to five different grocery stores and one bed and breakfast. I get about 20 dozen eggs from my chickens every day, so I
definitely need all the stores to get rid of the eggs. After high school, I hope to keep my egg business going while I attend college. I would like to expand my egg business even farther. I really enjoy working on the farm and with the animals. My life sure has been busy within the past 4 years, but I couldn’t have accomplished what I have without the help and encouragement of my parents and family.
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Be active year round with a Sterling Park District TOTAL FITNESS PASS! • Fitness Center at Duis • Swimming at Duis • Fitness Center at Westwood • Indoor Basketball at Westwood • Indoor Track at Westwood • Indoor AstroTurf Field at Westwood
The Sterling Park District is excited to announce the addition of a 60 yard indoor AstroTurf PureGrass football/soccer field at Westwood Fitness & Sports Center! In addition to scheduled leagues, we will offer Open Football and Open Soccer hours each week. The field is also available for private rental!
NOW PLAYING AT WESTWOOD FITNESS & SPORTS CENTER! Wellbeats is a collection of on demand virtual aerobics classes and is a supplement to our current schedule of live aerobics classes. We offer scheduled Wellbeats classes and open studio time in addition to our existing aerobics class schedule. Open studio time is on a first come first serve basis. Fitness users simply access the kiosk and select the class of their choice.
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