LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
The Illinois Principals’ Association held a breakfast for Edgar County’s outstanding students April 18, recognizing students in elementary, junior high and high school classes across the county. Among the variety of students receiving accolades and praise, several were commended for their hard work and leadership skills.
The following students were recognized:
Addie Grabbe, a second grader at Memorial Elementary was recognized as being hardworking, friendly, motivated, goal-oriented, kind and caring.
“Addie approaches everything she attempts with the same determination and resolve to be successful, whether it is school assignments or softball, gymnastics, musicals or one of the many other activities she’s involved in,” Memorial principal Lucy Tarr said. “It is very rare that you see this drive and commitment to excellence in such a young child, but Addie is a wonderful student and an all-around fantastic human.”
Also in second grade at Memorial is Lafeton Jones; he was recognized as a quiet force.
“He works hard, sets goals and strives to be the very best he can be,” Tarr said. “I see this daily in our classroom. He enjoys reading and works hard to hit his AR goal each quarter. He is not afraid of a challenge or having to work hard.”
Jones was also recognized as kind, friendly and welcoming to all.
Emma Roach, a fifth-grade student at Carolyn-Wenz Elementary School was recognized as a fearless leader both in and out of the classroom.
“She leads by example and encourages others to make good choices,” her principal, Megan Carroll said. “I often see her down in the office for winning LEAD Bingo in her classroom. She is responsible, proactive and puts first things first. She is kind and is always trying to succeed in all that she does.”
Carolyn-Wenz School was also recognized by fifth-grader Baine Blair.
“Baine is the true definition of someone with a growth mindset,” Carroll said. “Baine has a great attitude, wants to learn as much as he can and works extremely hard in all that he does. His athleticism is evident not only in PE but out on the kickball and baseball field and he enjoys leading his team as they challenge each other on the field.”
Blaire was commended for his polite manners to everyone in the building and witty sense of humor.
Crestwood Junior High recognized two eighth-grade students, Rileigh Cook and Brody Stults.
Cook was applauded for how she embodies the values of integrity, kindness and empathy in all her interactions.
“(She) fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect,” Crestwood Principal Meghan Damler said. “She leads with a quiet grace that resonates with other students and staff in the building. Whether she’s lending a helping hand to a struggling classmate, involved in community outreach, talking and sharing about her various animals, Rileigh is a model student to have at Crestwood.”
Stults was recognized for his positive attitude and the respect he gives his peers and teachers.
“Brody is helpful by nature and has a willingness to assist others,” Daimler said. “Brody is known for his sharp intellect and enthusiasm for learning. He not only puts it all in his academics but also in extracurricular activities, as he is on the Scholastic Bowl team, basketball team and track.”
He was applauded for his hard work ethic, discipline and for being a positive influence to those around him.
Mayo Middle School recognized Daniel Lopez, an eighth-grader.
“Daniel is a beacon of excellence, excelling both on the track and the basketball court while maintaining high academic honors. His dedication to his athletic pursuits is matched only by his commitment to his studies, where he consistently achieves outstanding academic results,” Casey Pinnell, Mayo’s principal said. “Beyond his achievements, Daniel is revered for his exceptional character, embodying values of integrity, respect and sportsmanship.”
Eighth-grader Bailey Rhoads also represented Mayo Middle School for her unwavering enthusiasm and uplifting presence.
“Bailey’s dedication to both volleyball and softball has been nothing short of remarkable,” Pinnell said. “As a dependable and exceptional teammate, she embodies the true spirit of sportsmanship, always putting the team’s success above her own. Bailey is not only known for her athletic prowess, but also for her infectious positivity and radiant smile, which light up every practice and game.”
Kaylynn Key, an eighth grader at Shiloh School was commended for standing up for what is right, even if that means going against what everyone else does.
“She’s a positive role model and leader for other students,” Principal Amy Jones said.
Also representing Shiloh School was eighth-grader Kalvin Budd.
“Kalvin has done a tremendous job this year. He’s matured into a respectful, hard-working and kind student,” Jones said. “He’s always willing to step up and help.”
Seniors representing Shiloh School were Kenzie Hales and Emily Milburn.
“Kenzie has been a varsity basketball player for the past four years earning LPC 2nd Team All-Conference and All-Area Honorable Mention by the New Gazette,” Jones said. “She has maintained a 4.02 GPA throughout her high school career, including 25+ hours of college credit.”
One of the college courses she took this past summer was an EMT course that will allow her to be licensed as an EMT in Illinois after she graduates. Hales is also active in clubs at school including CAMA, FCA, FFA, NHS, and Spanish Club.
Milburn was applauded for her involvement in the Student Council, NHS, FCCA, FFA, Spanish Club, FCA, Envirothon and CAMA.
“She has been very involved in her community by being a member of 4H and a youth group member at her church,” Jones said. “She is a recipient of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Good Citizen Award, many awards in Art and honor roll all four years in high school.”
Maria Ehlers represented Kansas eighth-graders with her involvement in softball, basketball, volleyball, track, FFA and is a musical cast member. Ehlers was commended alongside eighth-grader Hugar Morrisey, also from Kansas.
“Hugar is involved in FFA, basketball and baseball. Hugar enjoys four-wheeler riding, farming and showing pigs,” Kansas Elementary Principal Tiffany Huisinga said.
Senior Salutatorian at Kansas High School, Ella Noel was recognized for her involvement in choir, theater and as a musical cast member.
“She enjoys knitting, reading and playing piano,” Kansas High School Principal and Superintendent Cindy Spencer said. “Ella will be attending Eastern Illinois University majoring in Elementary Education.”
Valedictorian and senior at Kansas High School, Katey Ehlers, was also commended for her involvement in FFA, where she is the Section 18 President and Chapter President.
“She is the National Honor Society president, Student Council president and Senior Class president,” Spencer said. “She is involved in basketball and is a member of the musical cast. Katey enjoys singing and reading.”
Ehlers will be attending the University of Arizona majoring in Information Science and English.
From Paris High School seniors Will Moody and Emi Cheesman were recognized.
Moody, a valedictorian of PHS, has distinguished himself through his academic excellence and extensive involvement in extracurricular activities.
“His dedication is evident in his participation in AP and Dual Credit classes, alongside his active engagement in sports like Football, Wrestling and Basketball,” Principal Mark Cox said. “Will generously contributes to the community by volunteering at events such as the Honeybee Festival, Challenger League and Trunk or Treat. His outstanding achievements, recognized through accolades like Captain, Tiger Award and consistent placement on the Honor Roll, reflect his exceptional commitment to both his education and service to others.” Cheesman is also a valedictorian for this year.
“Throughout her tenure, she has embraced the rigors of AP and Dual Credit courses while actively participating in a myriad of clubs, including Elite Harmony, Culture Club, Drama Club, Scholastic Bowl, Key Club, Beacon Brigade and National Honor Society,” Cox said. “She has earned the accolades of ILMEA District Singing Performance, Outstanding Geometry Award, and membership in the Tri-M National Music Honor Society. Emi sets her sights on a future in biology, driven by a noble ambition to combat viruses and diseases.”