Latest news with #ScholasticBowl
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dixon mayor loses bet with Rockford over high school 2025 Stateline Quiz Bowl tournament finale
Jun. 6—DIXON — When Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes walked into Monday's City Council meeting wearing a city of Rockford hat, Hughes felt the need to explain. "I lost a bet, but I lost a bet for a good reason," he said. On May 21, Dixon High School's Scholastic Bowl team faced off against Keith Country Day School's team in Rockford in the finale of the 2025 Bergstrom Stateline Quiz Bowl hosted by WTVO and FOX 39. The special televised tournament started with 28 local schools in the region that competed in the academic trivia-style games until the best two teams went head to head in the finale. During the live broadcast, Hughes challenged Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara to a bet. Hughes said he thought "it was a nice way to get the kids some recognition, not just on the local level, but a little municipal rivalry as well as the high schools." The mayor whose school lost would personally donate $100 to the winning school's extracurricular activities. They also would have to wear apparel from the winning school at the city's next council meeting, and the information needed to go out on the city's social media. It was a close match, but Keith Country Day beat Dixon, and Hughes followed through with the bet's terms. "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a Keith Country Day hat or shirt, but Mayor McNamara was very happy to provide me with a city of Rockford hat," Hughes said. Still, "it was a heck of a deal for both Keith Country Day and Dixon High School to make the finals," Hughes said, adding that it's the first time Dixon has made the finals. The Dixon team is led by coach Tom Padilla, and the high school students who participated in the match were Nathan Stauter, Ronan Quick, James Cocar, Sebastian Seibel, Brady Rosinski, Jeremiah Frye and Owen Winters.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dixon school board OKs hirings, resignations, retirement
May 24—DIXON — The Dixon Public Schools District 170 Board approved several new hires, resignations and other personnel actions at its meeting Wednesday. New hires * Natalee Boone, special education teacher at Jefferson School * Angel Doyle, pre-K for all preschool teacher at Washington School * Ashley Henegar, assistant principal at Reagan Middle School * Stefanie Jordan, social worker at Washington School * Alexis Point, third-grade teacher at Jefferson School * Abby Risner, choir teacher at Dixon High School * Molly Stitzel, fifth-grade special education resource teacher at Madison School * Kaile Valdez, paraprofessional at Dixon High School * Amy Wilcox, paraprofessional at Dixon High School Change in status * Kayla Ankney, from paraprofessional at Washington School to paraprofessional at Reagan Middle School * Sydney Bittner, from office assistant at Reagan Middle School to building secretary at Dixon High School, effective July 1 * Brenda Quaco, from paraprofessional at Washington School to paraprofessional at Dempsey Therapeutic School Resignations * Danielle DeWitt, special education teacher at Washington School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Jon Kingry, crossing guard at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Melissa Palacio, lunchroom attendant at Madison School, effective May 1 * Annah Rosenbaum, paraprofessional at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Katrina Shirley, music teacher at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year * Elizabeth Stamm, Title I teacher at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year Retirements * Dorraine Kingry, Title I teacher at Jefferson School, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year Dismissals * Esmeralda Rangel, custodian at Dixon High School, effective May 21 * Melissa Stowell, paraprofessional at Dempsey Therapeutic Day School, effective May 21 New facilitator * Maggie Curry, physical education facilitator at Dixon High School Facilitator resignation * Jennifer Kuehl, third-grade facilitator, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year 2024-25 Dixon High School coaches/activities * Jesse Arjes, JV softball, 1/2 stipend, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Rick Shroyer, JV softball, 1/2 stipend, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Denise Ewers, accompanist, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Richard Dingraudo, accompanist, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Zack Heitz, head summer strength, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Brad Winterland, assistant summer strength, effective for the 2024-25 school year * Tyler Matteson, assistant summer strength, 1/2 stipend, effective for the 2024-25 school year 2024-25 coaching/activities resignations * Eric Fergusion, RMS assistant Scholastic Bowl coach, effective May 21 * Candance Lind, RMS Scholastic Bowl coach, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jefferson Wins Scholastic Bowl competition
ASHTABULA — After hours of competition, Jefferson Area High School prevailed by coming back from a deficit to defeat Conneaut High School to win the 2025 Scholastic Bowl Saturday at Kent State Ashtabula. Gino Giblock and Joy Heath threw their arms in the air, rejoicing while teammate Zane Ketola looked to the ceiling and Reagan Williams spun to the right after the final question that gave the Falcons the 190-175 victory over Conneaut. The Falcons were down by 25 points with two questions to go, and came up big with bonus points to earn the victory. JAHS took over as champions from the Geneva squad that won in 2024. For more than three hours, students from Jefferson, Edgewood, Geneva, Lakeside, Saint John, A-Tech, Pymatuning Valley and Conneaut high schools answered questions on a wide variety of topics, including music, history, literature, science and sports. Grand River Academy competed in the dual meet competition throughout the school year but students are presently on spring break. Grand Valley did not find enough students to field a team this year. The event started in the late 1980s, and has been a big part of the county academic scene ever since. Conneaut earned the right to face Jefferson after fighting back through the elimination bracket by defeating Saint John. If the Spartans had won the first match with Jefferson, they would have had to beat the Falcons again to win the championship in the double elimination competition. The event is sponsored by the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center, under the direction of Denise Hunt, supervisor of the ESC's Gifted/Talented program. The students have been competing since January in regular competitions at schools throughout the county, leading up to the championship. Greg Bossick oversaw the dual meet season and Saturday's Scholastic Bowl championship. He lives in Delaware, Ohio, and has been involved with area competitions for more than a decade. Debra Barrickman, a member of the Ashtabula Area City and A-Tech school boards, attended the event to support the kids, and the event brought back good memories, she said. 'I used to run these,' she said. 'I love this.' Hunt said she senses a change in the mood of students involved in the competition. 'The energy has changed. The kids are excited,' she said. She said it has been a bit of a slow process growing numbers in the competition after the coronavirus pandemic. 'I think they [students] are finding other ways to get connected with other people,' Hunt said.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2024-25 High School Confidential: Week 21
Mar. 13—Welcome to Year 9 of High School Confidential, powered by Danville Area Community College. It's an award-winning project made possible by aspiring student journalists from every corner of our circulation area. Each Thursday through April, they'll tell us what's happening in their hallways at . At least once a week, we'll also hand over our Snapchat account (News-Gazette) to our correspondents for behind-the-scenes tours. Feedback? Email N-G/VP Jim Rossow at . On to this week's report ... To celebrate director of operations Deborah Bodony's birthday, students and faculty surprised her with a party during lunch on Friday. The school decorated the cafeteria and enjoyed cake. Also, Academy's rock band is finalizing the set list for the upcoming show in May. A total of 21 new members were inducted into National Honor are 47 members in this prestigious group who exemplify the four pillars of the National Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character. During the ceremony, Danny Powell gave an inspirational speech on the importance of character, telling students and those in attendance that "you're never too big to do the small things, and never too small to do the big things." Junior Summer Melton, one of the inductees, expressed her excitement about being a part of the group and her commitment to leading by example and the significance of academic focus. Pictured: officers Emmalee Nall, Maggie Benedict, Sara Herschberger, Mackenzie Condill and Karaline Vanausdoll. Last Tuesday, guest speaker Michael Deleon shared his story with middle and high school students. Deleon has spoken in all 50 states, and has made it his life's mission to change kids' lives by directing them away from substance abuse. The Scholastic Bowl team won first place in the county tournament. This year's team included Lucy Jett, Lindze Parker, Alex Luttrell, Leo Vera, Riker Huffman, Kaemyn Brown and Michael Wease and was coached by James Hasty and Hilary Mathis. In addition, Wease answered the most toss-up questions during the tournament and received the All-County honors. Andrew Pierce was congratulated by the school for going to state in the Special Olympics, playing Basketball for the TNT Firecrackers. Proud students and staff lined up at the entrance to cheer him on his way. Students sat in on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's press conference on phone bans in classrooms. Congratulations to Karelyn Parada Ortiz, a ninth-grader, for winning honorable mention this year in the ITBE essay contest. She wrote her comparison essay on Christmas in the U.S. versus El Salvador for Brandy Barter-Storm's ESL 3 class. She received an official certificate and a check for $25. Last Thursday, students faced off against staff in the fifth annual Student vs. Staff basketball game. Every year the staff picks a theme for their team. This year's was a '90s Sitcoms theme. Each staff member had their favorite character from a '90s sitcom on their T-shirts. It was Staff vs. Junior High in one gym and Juniors and Seniors vs. Sophomores and Freshman in the other, with Juniors and Seniors winning a close game. In the game pitting high school students vs. staff, coach Eli Brunner's high school team fell short, 49-48. Proceeds will go to local food pantries. The girls' basketball team made history, reaching the Final Four after defeating Decatur St. Teresa in the super-sectionals. The team left for Bloomington-Normal last Wednesday after a sendoff from the school, firetrucks leading them out of town. After losing to Carrollton on Thursday, the Timberwoives bounced back with a win against St. Edward for third place on Friday. The team was welcomed home by fans and a paraded around town with fire trucks leading the way. Then they headed back to school for food and fun conversations. On Friday, National Honor Society hosted a student-run Trivia Night for family, friends and staff. They sold baked goods made by students and other snacks at their concession stands. As a mini prize, they did a 50/50 raffle ticket fundraiser. The winner of the raffle ticket, Richard Koss, decided to donate his winnings back to the NHS and received a shirt as a sign of gratitude. Congratulations to the Social Studies Department team for winning the event. Pictured (courtesy Katie Zionic): the Social Studies Department team, and event committee chairwoman Nadia Gamble and Rylee Jack. On Friday, the Drama Department had play practice until 8 p.m. Since practice ended so late, students were provided Monical's pizza and snacks like Twinkies and Slim Jim's. They were able to run through the whole play — "The Little Mermaid" — and also started to incorporate props and set pieces into the scenes. Eight students attended the annual Educators Rising Conference at Illinois State University, participating in breakout rooms and job-shadowing teachers: Addison Farmer, Jordan Kaeding, Sophia Ray, Maryn Berry, Lizzy Goodin, Caylen Embery, Allison Taylor and Matt Allen. Also, the boys' basketball team had a huge showout for its sectional title game against Leroy that ended with a tough loss. The girls' basketball team traveled to Bloomington — Normal to attend the IHSA Class 1A semifinal games. The players had an unforgettable experience, enjoying the excitement of the games and bonding as a team throughout the trip. On Friday, pep band took middle school members along with them to perform at a hockey game at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. With around 35-40 performers, they put on a great performance as they played "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the game and pep tunes in between the first and second periods. Taylor Page, co-section leader of the low brass section, said her favorite part was "just spending time and having fun with my friends. it was a very exciting game and everyone was into it, so it was a fun experience." FFA competed at District Proficiencies, sending seven students; Clare Wagner, Owen Pree, Drew Talbert, Beau Howe, Trenton Read, Ben Schleef and Chloe students placed first: Chloe Wagner, Clare Wagner, Pree and Howe, who will now compete at state. Last weekend, seniors held their annual senior sale, raising an impressive $7,000 to support their upcoming mission trip to Puerto Rico. Each year, these students dedicate countless hours to sort through donations and organizing a fantastic garage sale in the gym. Four students who are Eagle Scouts earned prestigious ranking last week. Colin Dunafin (senior) built an informational board honoring the Gaultney brothers. The Gaultney brothers were three young men who died fighting in WWII. John O'Brien (senior) built six native bee houses at Weldon Springs to give a home for the native bees. Noah O'Brien (freshman) built a gaga ball pit at Gaultney Park. Brandon Webner (senior) built a shaded pavilion at Leroy's local dog park. This Eagle Scout project was named Project of the YUear for the Crossroads District. It was a busy week in the kitchen, with Beth Totheroh's culinary and family and consumer science classes cooking. Students made pizza and pulled pork, and the FCS class made monkey bread. Pictured: Noah Brittenham, Brinlynn Gredy and Madyson Reeder adding the finishing touches to their monkey bread; Gage Mann after pulling his pizza out of the oven; and Mario Martinez preparing the dough to add his toppings to. National Honor Society members attended induction night celebrating three new members. Current officers Alexis Burch (president) Carleigh Clifton (vice president), Sarah Thorman (secretary) and Caden Logan (treasurer) passed down their candles to honor the new members: Rachel Warman (next president), Sophie VonLanken (VP) and Jaycee Cleland (secretary). Pictured, left to right: (back row) Caden Logan, Carleigh Clifton, Alexis Burch, Eian Knoebel and Sarah Thorman; (front) Sophie VonLanken, Rachel Warman and Jaycee Cleland. Sponsor of NHS and photos taken by Sabrina Kile. For Friday's annual Student vs. Staff basketball game, the school hired two IHSA referees and played four eight-minute quarters. The seniors beat the staff 65-53, which is the first time students have won since 2019. Everyone who participated had a fun time, along with the students and family members who came to watch. Pep band performed at the girls' basketball state tournament semifinals at Illinois State. On Saturday, the boys' and girls' track teams competed at the Centennial Invite at the UI Armory., Health class had First Aid Week. Students learned from Jessica McMahon, an instructor for the American Heart Association and STM parent. Students learned various life-saving techniques such as the use of a EpiPen, how to use an AED, and CPR. All participating students also received their American Heart Association first aid certification. Student council members were asked to help with the Salt Fork North Elementary's Spring Book Fair. Members walked to the elementary school Monday through Thursday to help kindergarten and first-grade students make wish lists and purchase books. After purchasing books the high schoolers were able to color and speak with the students. Pictured: Ella Cary and students pick out bookmarks to purchase. Left to right: Anna Mccollum, Taylor Remole, Kaitlyn Woodard, Belle Torbit and Hayden Enrich color with students. The boys' basketball team broke several records on the way to its first regional title since 2003. It was a complete turnaround, their first winning season in over a decade. The win was especially meaningful to Peyton Kuemmerle, with this being a generational title to him. "It is extremely special to me because my grandfather (Jerry) won a regional in 1958, my mom (Brooke) in 1998 and my uncle (Tyler) in 2003 — all for Schlarman — making us a third generational family winning a regional," he said Pictured: Tyler, Peyton and Jerry. Sixth-grader Ralph Ritchey was chosen for special recognition for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency poster contest. This year's poster theme was "Stash Your Trash." The design for the poster promoted recycling, reusing and composting. A comparison example was given of what is positive and negative in our environment. Ritchey is a talented student who is actively involved in the science club (photo courtesy Pam Evans). Scholastic Bowl practiced ahead of hosting a regional competition on Monday. To celebrate Read Across America, Drama Club students Mya Picazo, Lanie Yantis, Katy Mills and 15 other members read to first-grade classes at North Ward Elementary last week. The first-graders enjoyed snacks while high schoolers gave lively readings of their favorite books. The spring musical, "Jack and the Beanstalk," was enjoyed by the Uni community. Written by Tim Schirmer and Uni's own Chris Guyotte, the fun-filled musical retold the classic fairytale. Pictured: Grace Arend as the Hen, Justin Lewis as Big Guy and Maewyn Trujillo as Jack. Photos courtesy of Cecilia Calfas. Agriculture students had a unique hands-on learning experience as they observed a sow giving birth and caring for her piglets. The sow farrowed 13 piglets on Feb. 27th. The following Monday, students in the veterinary science class participated in essential post-birth care, which included castration, ear notching, teeth-clipping and administering iron shots to ensure the piglets' health and growth. Currently, the piglets are nursing from their mother and staying warm under a heat lamp. They are growing quickly, and once they are weaned, students will take on the responsibility of raising them as part of an FFA project. Students visited Southern Illinois University in Carbondale for college tours and lectures from current staff and students — an educational and eye-opening experience. Brian Cordes celebrated the end of the school week by allowing students to make grilled cheese sandwiches during class. He brought all the materials, setting up his own restaurant right in his classroom. His fourth-hour yearbook students seemed to enjoy this opportunity the most, and used the whole class period to perfect their sandwiches. Pictured: Carly Eads and Lily Wyant. The Watseka Park District's annual "Kiddie Carnival" was held at the high school once again and included face-painting, balloons, bounce houses and games. High school students from FFA, National Honor Society and Key Club came together to create a wonderful experience for the kids. On March 3, student council held its annual blood drive with Impact Life. Special thanks to students and faculty members who donated. Photos courtesy Maggie Potter and Olivia Troglia.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Yahoo
Fallen State Trooper remembered by helping others through scholarship
ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) — The victim of an accident is being remembered by helping others. The family of fallen State Trooper Corey S. Thompsen is raising money for a scholarship. Thompsen died in a motorcycle accident this past October, now his loved ones and St. Joseph Middle School are putting together a volleyball fundraiser night. The goal of this event is giving back to Thompsen's hometown. Community Spotlight: Trooper Corey S. Thompsen Fundraiser Night The money will go to one graduating student from the school who is planning to study criminal justice. There are multiple ways to donate: They'll have a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, t-shirts and more. The middle school volleyball coach said they're doing this because Trooper Thompsen means a lot to the town. 'His mother is a teacher at our school, his grandmother is a retired teacher from our school and is still a Scholastic Bowl coach,' said Volleyball Coach Jill Lubinski. 'So, they're very much a part of our school family and near and dear to our hearts.' She said the scholarship will be given to one student each year. Right now, they have a few businesses who have already donated around $1,000. The event is on Feb. 24 at the middle school and doors will open at 4:15pm. Currently, organizers are still working out how students will be able to apply and how the winner will be picked. If you are interested in donating to the silent auction, call the middle school office at 217-469-2334. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
