Latest news with #SchlarmanAcademy
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hicks named new principal of Schlarman Academy
With the official retirement of Tracy Cherry, Schlarman Academy has named a new principal. Katherine Hicks was unanimously recommended for the position by the academy's principal search committee. She will begin work on July 1. Currently serving as a middle school teacher at Holy Cross School in Champaign, Hicks has also worked as a special education aide at Ludlow Grade School in Ludlow. In the secondary education field, she has worked as a STEAM education teacher at Parkland College. She has also served as a presenter or panelist at regional and national conferences, and she has authored several professional publications. Hicks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history and geography from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of West Georgia. Beyond the classroom, Hicks has also served as the Education Coordinator with the Orpheum Museum in Champaign, as well as a program manager with the Champaign Park District. Superintendent of Catholic Schools Jerry Sanderson said throughout Hicks' career, she has 'demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, personnel management, fostering strong relationships with local businesses and community stakeholders, and designing and executing marketing campaigns.' As to how Hicks became interested in the open role at Schlarman, she said it was about answering God's call on her life, and giving back to her community. 'When called upon by God, I believe it is my responsibility to answer. I view this as an opportunity to give back to the school and community that played a fundamental role in shaping my upbringing,' Hicks said. 'Additionally, I am passionate about leadership and making a meaningful impact.' When she begins work in her new role in July, Hicks said, she intends to focus her energy on learning as much as she can about what Schlarman Academy needs. 'My top priority is to gain a deep understanding of the school culture, its families, and staff. At the outset, I will focus on building strong relationships with students, staff, and the wider community, fostering trust and open communication grounded in respect and compassion,' she said. 'I will prioritize both academic excellence and spiritual development, ensuring that Catholic values are integrated into every aspect of the school day,' she said, adding that she will also do all she can to create 'a safe and inclusive environment where students feel loved and valued.' One of the challenges of leadership, she said, is maintaining balance between the competing demands of the role — demands such as overseeing academic excellence, supporting students' faith and character development, guiding teachers and staff, addressing student needs, promoting community engagement, ensuring safety, and managing administrative duties, to name a few. Beyond doing all she can to make the school day safe and uplifting for students, Hicks is also dedicated to supporting Schlarman Academy's teachers and staff in their professional growth. 'I must ensure that all voices—students, teachers, parents, and staff—are heard and valued while also making difficult decisions. It is my responsibility to provide support and direction in a way that allows the school to flourish, while preserving a healthy, supportive, and faith-filled atmosphere for both staff and students,' Hicks said. Moving forward, Hicks plans to introduce initiatives that 'promote wellbeing, collaboration, and growth across the school community,' as well as enhancing communication channels 'to ensure everyone's voice is heard' and introducing recognition programs 'to celebrate [the] achievements of both students and staff.' 'The Diocese of Peoria is pleased to welcome Katherine Hicks as the next administrator of the school, where she will guide the spiritual development, academic excellence, and commitment to Christ-like service which have been the hallmark of a Catholic education at Schlarman for generations,' Sanderson said.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Schlarman Academy in Danville shows off new generation of STEM students
DANIVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Schlarman Academy in Danville gave the public a look at the next generation of STEM on Friday through an event. Students from 7th-12th grade got to show off their knowledge and hard work at the science fair. The Schlarman Academy students produced science projects and presented them at their gym. Danville Mayor going out in city for 'What's Brewing' event 'It's really fun, I like doing this every single year,' said Freshman Emberlyn Schull. 'I also like when I get to interact with other students who are doing the projects.' She was one of around 100 students who participated in the science fair. Her project is on fingerprints. Schull wanted to find out whether prints were passed down genetically. 'I found out that fingerprints are inheritable,' she said. 'It's only like the certain patterns, but all of like the ridges and arches are not the same, it's only the patterns.' But she's not the only one with an impressive project. 'They have constructed an air tunnel for Hot Wheels cars,' said Math and Science teacher Kristopher Andrew. 'So, they're looking at the air profile as it travels over different shaped cars.' Balloons Over Vermilion hope to raise local organizations up Schlarman has been doing this science fair for a couple years now, and judges said what the students make has only gotten better with time. 'The range here is just absolutely amazing, right?' said Judge Keith Andrew. 'We have meteorology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and the kids, they think of all kinds of things to test. So, it's really quite a riot.' Andrew said top projects from this group will go on to compete at other science fairs across the state and will have the chance to win scholarship money. He said that's a tangible benefit, but it's not the only one. 'Allowing students to explore their passions and see some of the things that they do inside of the classroom in a new context really allows them to see how these things matter,' Andrew said. 'In jobs and career opportunities.' Schlarman students said this is one of their favorite ways to learn and they hope the school keeps doing the science fair in the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
