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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 news-gazette.com.

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 jrossow@news-gazette.com.

On to this week's report:

Academy High

On Saturday, students (pictured: Bre Patten) participated in the Science Olympiad state competition at the University of Illinois and enjoyed a lot of success. A majority of the team was able to walk away with at least one medal and even a couple with two.

— Maegan Frye

ALAH

The 4 x 800-meter relay team broke the school record with a time of 10:58.15, which bested the 2024 team's record of 10:42.85. The relay consisted of Kimberly Krutsinger, Lily Vanda, Sophie Johnson and Ruby Burton. Addison Yeakel broke the school record in shot put with a throw of 34 feet, 6 inches, which passed Alex Clark's record. The 4x100 relay team finished first while breaking the ALAH Invitational record.

Also, the Yoder’s Donut Dash pitted the top eight shot put throwers for boys and girls in a 100-meter dash to win a dozen donuts. The winners of the inaugural event: Colin Smith and Yeakel.

The Knights also held Senior Day to celebrate Gracie Arnett, Lindsay Rohacs, Smith, Jacob Tighe, Skyler Vorck and Yeakel.

PICTURED:

Senior boys: Brittany Bartley, Smith and Tighe;

Senior girls: Tiffany and Jason Yeakel, Addison Yeakel, Kevin Vorck, Michelle Vorck, Skyler Vorck, Starr Arwine, Jason Rohacs, Lindsay Rohacs, Rebeca Rohacs, Dayna Arnett, Gracie Arnett and Mark Arnett.

4x800: Kimberly Krutsinger, Lily Vanda, Sophie Johnson and Ruby Burton

4x200: Grace Romine, Skyler Graham, Summer Melton and Bella Romine

Donut dash: Kyleigh Wallace and Addison Yeakel

Donut dash: Colin Smith and Addison Yeakel

— Allison Yeakel

Bement

On Sunday morning, Bement's suicide prevention club Lifesavers set up "Easter Egg Lane," a tradition dating over 50 years. Club members volunteered to set up painted Easter egg signs all along the highway going through town. Pictured (back row): junior Emma Garlutzo, junior Will Fuson, senior John-Paul Brewer, sophomore Kole Somers and senior Brayden Strack; and (front row) sophomore Makenna Kindred, sophomore Cassie Block and junior Ella Corum.

— Gabby Block

BHRA

The anatomy class had the opportunity to dissect lamb brains under the supervision of teacher Kaylee Leigh. This experience allowed them to explore the inner workings of the brain, specifically the nervous system. They learned both the anatomy and physiology of different sections, which proved useful in their upcoming test. Pictured: Michael Wease and Macy Danner; and Devyn Owens (left) and Morgan Potter.

— Sydney Creason

Blue Ridge

On Saturday, the baseball team came and supported the softball team as they worked toward a victory against Georgetown-Ridge Farm 9-1.

— Carsyn Stiger

Champaign Central

For the second year since its revival, Central's Interact Club collaborated with various clubs and organizations around school to host the annual International Festival. Clubs and families set up booths showcasing their cultures in the cafeteria, many handing out traditional foods and wearing cultural clothing, while various cultural groups from around Champaign-Urbana prepared for performances in the Decker Theatre. The performances included TASC's Shi Zi Lion Dance, a round fan dance, and a song sung in Spanish by Central student Irene Crespo, accompanied by Mario Nieto.

— Charlotte Heads

Cerro Gordo

On April 9, seniors took part in job-shadowing, spending a day away from school to learn the ins and outs with a professional involved in police work, cosmetology, teaching, physical therapy, radiology, real estate and more. Pictured: Senior student Kayla Dowell and Shelly Frye, a social worker at the high school. Kayla spent the day experiencing what Frye’s day to day looks like. Dowell enjoyed the experience.

— Bailey Walter

Chrisman

The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter traveled to Springfield for the annual state conference. Four members attended, along with adviser Robbie Rollins and chaperone Bridget Spillman. Grayson Strange finished out her year as an Illinois FCCLA state officer, inducting close friend Ellie Lorton to take her place. Additionally, Emma Brown received silver in her Creed Speaking competition. Gabby Nolen attended to serve as the chapter voting delegate for new officers and bylaws. The students got to see speakers, network with other Illinois members, and attend a fun night at Malibu Jacks. Soon after students returned, it was time for juniors and seniors to celebrate with prom. Juniors planned a magnificent night with a "Tangled" theme. The junior prince was Hayden Spesard, and the princess was Jaidyn Alexander. The senior king was Landen Alexander, and the queen was Layken Hovis. Students danced the night away at the Bloomfield Barn, then attended After Prom at the Iron Pin in Paris.

— Grayson Strange

Danville

The girls' soccer team won 2-0 against St. Thomas Moore with the help of Elizabeth Skovran and Reese Rundle, then beat Charleston (1-0) and St. Thomas Moore (3-1) in tournament play. Lindsey Porter scored the winning goal against Charleston.

— Nadia Gamble

DeLand-Weldon

The drama department put on a performance of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” on Friday and Saturday. Friends, family and community members came to watch and support the students in the play.

— Emma Westray

Georgetown-Ridge Farm

Several students joined Principal Kevin Thomas and guidance counselor Emily Murray, including Will Graves, Hunter Meeker, Tiffany Taylor, Mackenzie Williams, Maddi Digby, Jadyn Portis, Dirks Lewis and Addi Spesard.

— Jaiden Stelzer

Hoopeston Area

With prom season in full swing, Hoopeston Area 2024 graduate Miles Robinson spent last Wednesday with high-schoolers to share his story and spread awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. His speech was monumentally impactful and emotional. After a near-death experience, Miles took the opportunity to own up to his mistakes and talk about it to teach peers a lesson. He said: “The complete rollercoaster of emotions that was coursing through me was like nothing I've ever experienced. I had this intense feeling that words cannot describe. I was dying and I could feel it.” His message: do not drink and drive and always wear seatbelts. “That little annoying piece of fabric that I always neglected to wear,” he said, is what kept him alive. An “easily preventable mistake” quickly turned into him learning one of the hardest lessons of his life between his physical injuries including 42 stitches in his face, a broken nose, and costing just under $13,000 in debt along with legal troubles. Students and staff were appreciative of his bravery to speak. Photos via Miles and his mother, Jennifer Dixon Runge.

— Macy Warner

Judah Christian

Judah Christian held its prom last Saturday, transforming the evening with an "Enchanted Forest" theme. Seniors Keaton Welch and Maggie Newell were crowned king and queen. Photos via Jack Dalbey.

— Maggie Newell

LeRoy

Students in LIFE class had the opportunity to watch the Illinois State Gamma Phi Circus perform on Friday. There, math student-teacher Jessica Miller performed in her final show. The class also began the process of hatching ducks and butterflies. There is a competition with the chicks. Of the LIFE students and staff, whoever guesses the egg that hatches first and the correct date wins. The class has about six caterpillars that are in the process of turning into butterflies.

— Molly Scheuer

Mahomet-Seymour

Freshmen participated in a game of tug-of-war during the Freshman Mentor Program's Spring Games. Pictured: Kennedy Ashby, Madeline Kline, Lainey Jacobs and Niko Truax.

— Brooklyn Dyer

Milford

On Thursday, National Honor Society students helped with Milford’s annual blood drive. Students worked the reception desk and helped the blood donors with food and drinks for safety precautions. The blood drive went very well this year, and the students did a tremendous job. Pictured: Aiden Frerichs, Erica Felton and Cabery Brown working the reception desk.

— Kami Muehling

Monticello

A group of 25 of Monticello's best business students competed in the Illinois State University High School Accounting Challenge on Friday. Students took an accounting test covering subjects like credits and debits, depreciation and life-like scenarios. They also competed as a team in a Kahoot challenge. Representatives from the ISU accounting department and State Farm talked to students about prospective careers in the field. A Monticello team consisting of Jackson Heck, Pearl Glaze, Steven Bluhm and Livi Lubbers placed first in the 2A division, while Heck took first place as an individual.

— Megan Allen

Oakwood

Last Wednesday, a group of seniors who made “Meets and Exceeds” on the SAT test took a trip to Elevate, jumping and playing volleyball. The students then went to Oishi for lunch and a quick trip to Costco for cookies and ice cream. Teachers Brendan Watson and Kayla Butler accompanied the students.

— Taylor Smoot

Paxton-Buckley-Loda

Congratulations to the FFA chapter for placing first in the Section 17 Horse Evaluation contest. Team members include Rowan Caposieno (first place individually), Briana Bachman (fourth place), Daniel Boston and Kyleigh Williams. The team competed at the state event and received a blue rating. Participants used their knowledge and interest in equine sciences to evaluate conformation traits and performance of horses. The event included halter and performance classes.

— Charley Ulrich

Rantoul

Last week included ACT testing Wednesday through Friday. On Friday, concert band and jazz band went to Villa Grove for an IHSA band competition. Finally, Saturday marked Senior Night for the boys’ track-and-field team.

— Cooper Anderson

St. Joseph-Ogden

The drama department performed “The SpongeBob Musical” as its annual spring musical. Between the high school and middle school, over 50 students were involved. SJ-O sophomore Madison Farber led the way with her role as SpongeBob alongside classmates Nick Ditchfield as Patrick Star and Adalyn Bell as Sandy. With colorful sets, catchy songs and enthusiastic performances, this musical was one of the most memorable in school history.

— Olivia Getty

Salt Fork

Ahead of prom week, the Junior Prom Committee met weekly to plan the event. The committee and advisor Sara Wochner decided to host a grand march for the community and students to attend — the first time it’s been held since COVID-19. Seniors also voted on prom court which includes senior girls Alexa Jamison, Brynn Childs, Rhaylen Flak, Callaway Cox and Caydence Krainock and senior boys Jameson Remole, Kyson Keller, Ethan Feinstein, Grant Wilson and Jeffery Dines. The committee also decided to pick a prince and princess from the junior class — Addison Earles and John Henry Watson. Prom is April 26, with the grand march taking place at 5 p.m. in the gym. Pictured (back row, left to right): Aidan Talbott, Addie Earles, Rain Pitlik, Sailor Pacot, Karli McGee, Payton Cox and Sophia Kelly; (front row) Sara Wochner, Bracie Hird, Maya Smith, Brycie Hird and Braelyn Henthorn.

— Alexa Jamison

Shiloh

Freshman Kayden Johnson earned the second-place award in the Microsoft PowerPoint Business and Computer Contest on April 10 at Lake Land College in Mattoon. Johnson received a certificate and gift card to the Lake Land Bookstore for her winning. Business teacher Julia North said: “I had a great group of students here with me. They make me proud.” Five students attended, with pizza provided by the college. A scavenger hunt was enjoyed by attendees in which students had to “save the mascot” by scanning QR codes after finding clues to solve the puzzle at the end.

— Lydia Richardson

Sullivan

Navy recruiter Cameron Longstreth visited Nathan Becker’s AP chemistry and physics classes to discuss nuclear engineering and how it is possible.

— Isabel Donovan

Tuscola

Coaches and students attended the Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center to hear guest speakers talk about FCA. The lineup included Illinois basketball player Ben Humrichous, who discussed his journey in his faith. Tuscola FCA members Reese Davis, Bella Taylor, Lanie Yantis, Andrew Spillman, Dylan Graves, David Hornaday and Lia Patterson went to share their testimony of Jesus with fellow high school students and attendees of the event. Junior and FCA leader Davis says that she “is so thankful that there is a revival in Jesus’ name in not only my community but also the surrounding communities.”

— Olivia Wallace

Uni High

X-Week involves student council working to raise money for C-U at Home. From a dollar drive to selling concessions at a girls' soccer game and a matcha and craft sale, the week included loads of fun events. It culminated in a dunk tank in Uni's greenspace, in which students could pay to attempt to dunk a peer or teacher. Pictured: Dan Rosu anticipating his impending dunk, and Andrew Wilson falling into the water.

— Ivy​ Pullen-Heuman

Unity

The FFA chapter hosted its annual petting zoo, welcoming students from Unity East and Unity West elementary schools, several local preschools and members of the public. The event showcased a variety of farm equipment, including tractors, a sprayer and a semi-truck, giving students a chance to see the machinery up close and learn about its role in agriculture. A highlight was the petting zoo, featuring animals such as chicks, ducks, goats, sheep and even a horse. Kids had the chance to interact with the animals and learn about how they’re cared for on the farm. In addition to the animals and equipment, Unity FFA members offered interactive activities, including a "plant your own flower" station, where students got to plant their own flowers to take home, and a visual lesson on grain bin safety.

— Avery Watson

Urbana

Congratulations to the Science Olympiad team that made history by placing second in the state competition at the University of Illinois to wrap up the most successful season in school history. The team, coached by Jeff Birdsley and Alex Riley, beat each of its crosstown rivals, including Uni High for the first time.

— Danyla Nash

Villa Grove

After a few years of not having one, Villa Grove brought back its talent show. Students in grades 4-12, as well as teachers, were encouraged to audition. The show consisted dances, singing, guitar, comedy and more. Pictured via Kim Jones: fifth-grader Elisa Krause singing “Dance Monkey” and high school teachers performing a rap based on Shakespeare's work.

— Kirstyn Jones

Watseka

A year's worth of work done by Robyn Butler’s art students was able to be appreciated at the Vermilion Valley Art Show last weekend at Milford High School. Many pieces of art were recognized, earning Watseka the third-most ribbons. Taylor Chattic, Kinzie Smith, Brooklyn Gioja and Laura Serritslev all earned first place for their spectacular work in their categories.

— Maya Machev

Westville

On April 9, senior Lani Gondzur committed to play softball at Danville Area Community College. "I am extremely excited for the opportunity to play at DACC, and I am grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way," she said.

— Olivia Troglia