2023-24 High School Confidential: Week 29

May 2—***

Welcome to Year 8 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 .

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On to this week's report ...

Last Wednesday, the junior and senior classes went on a field trip to the Fischer Frog Lab and Beckman Institute of Technology. They enjoyed touring the frog facilities, eating lunch at the Illini Union, using an environmental scanning electron microscope and learning about CT and MRI scanning. Photos courtesy Ray Scifres and Natasha Capell.

The week started off with the announcement of this year's prom court: (top) Wayne Humphrey, Tyson Lewis, Christopher Olivar, Gerardo Alanis and Jackson Miller; and (bottom) Sarah Gillieaux, Jacey Kessler, Ashley Pullen, Bianca Arguelles and Cecilia Lozano. Last Friday, a blood drive run by student council saw students and teachers donate (pictured: Anthony Garza). Finally, Sunday was eventful with National Honor Society and a band/choir concert.

As the school year wraps up, seniors took their class trip to Bloomington, where they went bowling and golfing and went to a trampoline park and a movie.

Bement hosted Cerro Gordo and Deland-Weldon for Operation Prom Promise. A mock car accident was staged with two student actors from each school representing the drunk driver, deceased victim, blunt-force trauma victim, paralysis victim and bystanders. It was a stark reminder of the dangers and consequences of drunk driving. Local first responders included the Bement Fire Protection District, Carle AirLife, Kirby Ambulance Service, Piatt County Sheriff's Department, Illinois State Police and Bement police Officer Don Sheppard. Hinds Funeral Home helped with the event that was sponsored by OSF Healthcare and Marisa's Purpose. Bement students Max Wilson and Jaiden Whitehouse participated as Bement Fire Protection District's newest cadets.

Jennifer Guminski's western civilization class did a mock debate over what should be classified as chocolate in the European Union — a debate that actually did happen. Students taste-tested different chocolate from Iceland, England, Germany, Austria, Sweden and Belgium to determine if there truly is a difference in taste depending on what ingredients were used. Students included: Olivia Falk, Kelsey LeBeane, Enrique Rangel, Layton Kincaid, Jordyn Rutan, Alexis Jaskula, Maci Long, Ethan Frattick, Dane Dillon, Madeline Thorlton, Krislynn Kizer, Ella Smalley, Spencer Wall and Ella Myers.

With the school year coming to an end, many classes are going on field trips. That includes advanced biology and physics classes, which went to Six Flags in Chicago for a fun day of rides, waiting in lines, shopping and learning about the science of roller casters. Students included Tommi Passero, Jan Saez, Ty Meeker, Chelsea Lyle, Brea Flannell, Paige Browning, Addison Warsaw, Colbey Burton, Jackson Hawn. A.J. Johnson and Sydney Beckman. The teachers were Cullen Scurlock, Corissa Small and Casey Moncue, who also got to enjoy rides. Pictured: (left to right) Casey Moncue and Cullen Scurlock and (front) Corissa Small; Jackson Hawn, Paige Browning and Tommi Passero; and (back) Tommi Passero, Jan Saez, Ty Meeker, Chelsea Lyle, Brea Flannell, (front) Paige Browning, Addison Warsaw, Colbey Burton, Jackson Hawn, A.J. Johnson and Sydney Beckman.

Last weekend, the drama department put on its spring play, "Almost, Maine." It consisted of eight mini scenes around love; being in love, finding love and losing love. In between the scenes, there were cabaret-like performances in which thespians got to show off their singing capabilities. Pictured: Carry Matthews and Ruby Landry; Natalie Coughlin and Evelyn Healea; Isabella Valera-Castro and Adara Parrish; Lin Gilbertz and Gavin Sheppard; Jacob Smith and Goelle Biyenga; Carry Matthews and Lynx Jones; and Gail Cicone and Brenna Hooper.

Cissna Park

Last Saturday, FFA hosted its annual end-of-the-year banquet. The year's achievements were celebrated, and seniors were recognized for their dedication. New officers were inducted, Julia Edelman becoming the 2024-2025 president. It was a great night of memories.

The Senior Trip started last weekend, students and their class sponsors traveling to Tampa, Fla., for a four-day stay. Students enjoyed the aquarium and a dinner cruise upon arrival, setting them in the vacation mood. On Sunday, they embarked on a journey to Busch Gardens for roller coasters, animals and snacks. They then returned to their condos for a leisure evening on the beach with dinner and shopping.

Last Wednesday, students and staff donated at the school's blood drive. The Impact Life blood donation center came in and took blood in the gymnasium. Volunteers were provided with snacks and drinks afterward.

The high school band, led by Abigail Freymuth, took a field trip to the University of Illinois last week. While visiting, the students were able to rehearse with faculty and students, tour the John Philip Sousa archives and listen to a saxophone quartet made up of graduate students. They were also given the opportunity to play some older versions of instruments they are familiar with now.

On Sunday, GCMS hosted its second Camp of Champions, which would not be possible without the help of coaches, athletes, alumni and volunteers. The $800 raised from the camp will be donated to the Gibson Area Food Pantry through the Red Army.

Hoopeston Area

Student council members volunteered to help with the Golden Ruler Banquet at Bismarck. The banquet honors teachers, administrators and paraprofessionals from schools in Vermilion County. The students helped serve drinks, food and dessert. They also cleaned up at the end so the guests could enjoy their time celebrating together.

American history classes taught by Bradley Marcy and Illinois State student-teacher Heather Paraday hosted a WWII Hangar Dance at LeRoy Methodist Church. Students raised nearly $1,300 for HOOAH, a local veterans charity. Also, Aubrie Flegel, Claire Kuipers, Peyton Riddle, Abby Clapp and Justeen Meier attended the Women Changing the Face of Agriculture conference at Joliet Junior College. Lastly, the Class of 2030 was welcomed to junior high with the help of high school leaders who gave tours and answered questions.

A large group of students was involved in last week's annual National Honor Society induction ceremony. In order to be inducted, students had to go through an application process that included essays and teacher recommendations, as well as having a minimum of 10 service hours. The NHS chapter will host their next service event Saturday: a Parents Night Out for M-S families. At this event, parents will be able to drop their kids off to enjoy a fun night full of games, sports, movies and food with the members of the chapter. Donations will go to Moms Pantry, a resource that provides food and other necessary items such as clothing and hygiene items.

On Friday, students who were on the honor roll were treated to Monical's pizza.

Girls' soccer seniors (clockwise from top left) Charlie Ball, Tynley Jackson, Sylvie Harvey and Kylie Williams presented T-shirts with their last names on them to teachers Amy Malone, Tana Espenschied, Lisa Nuku and Cindi Quick. As a part of the 'My Jersey, Your Impact' run by the Pep Club, seniors in all sports throughout the year have given shirts to a teacher who has made a positive impact on them. Seniors aren't limited to high school teachers, as anyone in the district can be recognized.

Last week, juniors went around school and announced the 2024 prom court. Each class hour, they'd nominate two students who won a spot in court and gave them a sash. There were five boys and five girls, along with a prom prince, Jackson Dudley (far left), and a prom princess, Taylor Smoot (far right). Not in the group picture: Alec Harrison.

Senior Night was held for girls' track and field last Tuesday. The career expo was held at the high school and hosted by the Carter Foundation, a way to show all kinds of career paths and opportunities for high-schoolers. Rebekah Maxwell and Preston Seals were represented as the Illinois Prairie Conference Scholar Athletes. FFA is preparing for its plant sale (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 11). The Athlete of the Week is Michael Soltis, who runs track and set multiple personal records in his last meet.

The fourth-quarter Breakfast Club assembly was held April 18. Breakfast Club is an assembly where teachers nominate students to highlight positive actions or qualities. These qualities/actions can be anything like helping another student when no one is watching, scoring well on tests or even bringing up bad grades in a class.

The senior retreat took students to the Newman Center on the University of Illinois campus, where they enjoyed a day of well-deserved rest, reflection and religious activities.

This year's prom king and queen: Keira Shonk and Bennett Lane.

As the school year comes to an end, students are still coming in strong when it comes to extracurriculars and school activities. The senior Class of 2024 even escaped school for a day to Kings Island for the senior class trip.

Senior Briana Reese attended the Youth Advisory Council in Springfield on April 18. The council gives high school students the opportunity to share opinions about legislation and gain a better understanding of state government. Reese was able to meet state Sen. Chapin Rose and discuss her political aspirations.

On Saturday, students involved in sports volunteered at the Illinois marathon, assisting with course cleanup and helping cheer on passing runners. Girls' soccer got to meet the Kingfisher (pictured: Ivy Pullen-Heuman).

Student Council Week is the biggest fundraiser of the school year. In addition to using the funds for scholarships and various philanthropic activities, this year's proceeds will be donated to three causes close to three staff members' hearts: the Hallie Lutz Memorial Fund, the ALS Association and Cooper's Club. The dress-up days were "Mononchrome Monday," "Recreate a Picture of Yourself Tuesday," "Beach Day Wednesday," "Student Council Week Shirt Thursday" and "Freaky Friday," where teachers and students swapped their "looks" for the day. There were lunchtime sales of sweets and a schoolwide rock, paper, scissors contest on Wednesday. Thursday was the annual great auction, which included performances from our talented staff and students and lots of great treats sold, raising around $11,000 in just under five hours. Saturday's prom ended the successful week.

Seniors Morgan Perez and Juana Diego-Juan created a bulletin board to help seniors count down their last weeks of school. "I wanted to do something to celebrate the end of the year and help spread the excitement that seniors are feeling as their time in high school comes to an end," Perez said.

Last Wednesday and Thursday, softball and baseball teams celebrated Senior Night. The softball team beat Fisher 19-4, and the baseball team beat Heritage 10-4. The softball seniors, left to right: Chloe Reardon, Kayln Cordes, Alison Pangburn, Logan Lillard, Addie Wilson and Alex Brown. The baseball seniors: Zach Wells, Brady Clodfelder, Landon Kappes and Parker Knierim.

On April 20, sophomore class officers held their yearly fundraiser: a trivia night filled with friends, food and questions with multiple categories such as "Science," "Guess That Song" and "History." The event raised $400. Special thanks to Angela Sinkes for donating the grand prize of a $100 gift card back to the Westville district food pantry.