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Welcome to Year 7 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:

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Academy High

Dr. William Gingold, a Holocaust survivor, and Dr. Brian Khan, chair of the Champaign Urbana Jewish Federation Holocaust Education Center, visited last Thursday. Gingold spoke on his family's experience during the Holocaust and how they survived. He reminded students of the importance of education and learning about history's darkest times in order to prevent such an event ever occurring again.

— Rosie Atkinson

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ALAH

Parkland College's softball team welcomed Alisha Fredrick and Kaille Otto, who joined family and friends while celebrating their official signing. Fredrick is going to major in science, Otto in business/photography. Pictured, left to right: Marcus Otto, Melissa Otto, Kailee Otto and Steve Otto; and Easton Fredrick, Christy Fredrick, Alisha Fredrick, Wes Fredick and Shelby Fredrick.

— Jacob Adcock

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Arcola

Arcola’s chapters of National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society held induction ceremonies on Sunday. Thirteen students were inducted into NHS and eight students were inducted into NAHS, while a number of students continued their membership.

— Karina Warfel

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Armstrong

The school's FFA chapter put on a school day event for K-12 students to learn about — and pet — animals, tractor equipment and safety, dairy science and horticulture.

— Gigi Mulvaney

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Bement

Angie Corum’s adult living class is learning how to cook, making chicken tacos and breakfast sandwiches.

— Emily Parrish

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BHRA

Students from Jennifer Guminski’s sociology class took a field trip to the Newell Historical Society, which is housed in Bismarck’s former bank. The visit coincided with a class project about the impact of school consolidation — and cooperation — in communities. Rick and Janet Moss, leaders within the Newell Historical Society, talked with the class about the history of the schools in Newell Township and presented photos of old buildings.

— Cody Drake

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Blue Ridge

Author and motivation speaker Tasha Schuh visited to talk about building resilience for mental and emotional health. She moved students and staff with a story about her journey after her accident as a teenager, which rendered her mostly paralyzed. Her paralysis, however, did not stop her from having two books published and acquiring multiple bachelor’s degrees. The visit was sponsored by First National Bank of Clinton.

— Cadin Dozier

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Centennial

Last weekend's impressive production of "Grease" included a pie raffle during intermission and ended with a costume contest at Sunday's matinee. Also, three seniors were honored by the Champaign Rotary Club as Students of the Year: Henry Spinella (activities), Marin McAndrew (athletics) and Elise Maurer (academics).

— Elena Reifsteck

Cerro Gordo

To celebrate the end of SAT and IAR testing, students enjoyed snow cones from Kona Ice. Seems like a worthy reward, wouldn’t you think?

— Hannah Copeland

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Champaign Central

On April 20-22, the National Honor Society chapter held a thrift shop with clothes donated by the members. The planning for the event started as student volunteers made promotional signs and sorted through the donated clothes and accessories. Last Thursday, students and faculty stopped by to purchase clothes and on Saturday, the store was opened to the general public. Proceeds are to be donated to “Feeding Our Kids,” a local nonprofit that provides food to school children over the weekends and school holidays. Pictured: chapter co-sponsor Veronica Thompson, chapter vice poresident Amberlyn Aimone and chapter co-sponsor Erin Cornelius; students Sofia Medina, Nessa Bleill and Brooke Hasenstab manning the cashier registers; and students shopping in the thrift store.

— Janani Pattabi

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Chrisman

As part of their annual community service project as a group, National Honor Society members cleaned up a 2.5-mile stretch of U.S. 36.

— Reese Anderson

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Cissna Park

The annual Farmers vs. Crop Dusters basketball game took place in the week leading up to spring break. Boys' varsity basketball players drafted and coached the two teams. The coaches for the Farmers were Tyler Neukomm and Brayden Bruens, and Chase Petry and Colson Carley for  the Crop Dusters. It was a very competitive game as usual, but the Farmers came out on top as Karston Neukomm was named MVP.

— Mikayla Knake

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Danville

On Monday, 13 new members were inducted to National Honor Society, led by Stephen Riopell. The ceremony took place in the Dick Van Dyke Auditorium.

— Josie Hotsinpiller

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DeLand-Weldon

“When you give others live.” The turnout was fantastic for last Thursday's annual blood drive. National Honor Society helped run it and teachers and students alike were happy to donate.

— Abigail Trimble

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Fisher

Academic Challenge club (pictured: advisors Jake Chittick and Michelle Wagner) placed fifth at state with some outstanding personal scores. Carter Dickey was first in Physics, Ander Hazard first in Computer Science, Hanna Laible-Seif second in math, and Dylan Zwilling and Max Bruggman tied for second in Physics. Pictured: (top row) Daniel Bien, Noah Hurley, Emily Lone, Ella Hazard, Cassandra Mary, Emily Landers, Jenna Clemmons, Sadie Bruggman, Michelle Wagner and Jake Chittick; (bottom row) Ander Hazard, Max Bruggman, Carter Dickey, Dylan Zwilling and Hanna Laible-Seif.

— Emma McFarling

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Georgetown-Ridge Farm

Students held their second annual cleanup day around town. After volunteering throughout the community, students enjoyed lunch at McDonald’s.

 — Izabella Wills

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Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley

Students had an exciting weekend at their “Enchanted Garden” prom at the Melvin Fairgrounds. Kallen Robertson and Karah Jones were crowned king and queen. After hitting the dance floor, students attended After-Prom, a night-full of fun activities including inflatables, bull riding, picture booths, tasty snacks and prizes.

— Katie Steidinger

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Heritage

Student council students held a carnival game day and Kona Ice for the half day of school before Friday night's prom. During the week, there were dressup days and a penny war for the teacher who would be subject to the dunk tank. The winner was student teacher Jonathan Phalen. There was also a guest performance by Heritage math teacher Caitlin Kozelichki.

— Katelyn Learned

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Hoopeston Area

Prom was held with the theme of “An Enchanted Forest.” Prom court included Brielle Crose, Meghan Simpson, Emma Rayls, Ulysses Garcia, Will Lind and Preston Vandeveer. Queen and King were Leilani Drea and Gabriel Joneikis.

— Emma Rayls

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Iroquois West

Last Wednesday, four seniors were named Illinois State Scholars and recognized at a local ceremony. Not only do these students excel in school, but on the field and their community as well. Left to right, seniors John Ahlden, Riley Klump, Cannon Leonard and Rene Hinojosa.

— Calli Kraft

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Judah Christian

The annual Chuck-N-Duck dodgeball tournament for elementary through high school students took place Friday. Student Council members were the referees, worked concessions and kept everything running smoothly. Pictured: high school bracket winners (back row) Jacob Kursell, Joey Limentato, Sam Pauza, Jack Kursell and Caleb McCullough and (front row) Josh Kursell and Ben Clevenger.

— Bethany Jackson

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LeRoy

On Saturday, the bass fishing team took three boats to compete in the Normal West/Lintfighters Invitational at Lake Evergreen. The team of Jackson Mickey and Lauren Stuepfert (pictured) finished in third place under the direction of boat captain Kevin Stuepfert, just missing the top spot by a couple of ounces. The team fished through blustery and cold conditions at the lake. Also pictured: Senior Trevor Hahn and his catch.

— Lily Monigold

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Mahomet-Seymour

Spanish Club is back in full swing after having to take a few years off due to COVID-19. Last week, members met at Breaking Taco in Mahomet for Taco Tuesday. They spoke in Spanish the entire time, ate traditional Mexican food and had a great time. The club is preparing for several events to wrap up the school year, including writing to their Pen Pals and designing club T-shirts. On Friday, the club is holding a fundraiser entitled Día De Donas (Donut Day), selling donuts in the commons before school. Finally, students are planning to get together for a Cinco De Mayo celebration which will include a potluck. Pictured: (back row) Ellen Ericson, Delaney Shore, Taylor Fulk, Savannah Amatyleon and Jackie Risley; (front row) Caroline Tee and Abigail Strack.

— Madelyn Grindley

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Milford

The Milford Academic Challenge team traveled to Eastern Illinois University to compete at state on April 17. Students earned nine medals in individual categories and placed third as a team. Pictured: Braden Bulla, Devon Davis, Cameron Langellier, Carter Borgers, Luke Trumann, Maddie Hardwick, Lily Dluzak, Christina Schriner, Emma McEwen, MJ Johnson, Anna McEwen, Madison Demarse, Paul Harms, and Aria Leppard.

— Maddie Hardwick

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Monticello

Post-prom is never complete without the annual hypnotist show. Full of surprises and funny moments, this year's show did not disappoint.

— William Ross

Oakwood

Drama club performed “Escape Room” last weekend. Drama club hadn’t performed any plays since 2019, and COVID-19 hit before students could take the stage in 2020. From throwing fruit into the crowd to a wild twist of a promposal, the play kept everyone entertained. Dr. Diabolical and his wicked laugh was played by Andrew Reed. The softball coach was played by Gabe Ludington. The love interest, Brad, was played by Lily Berner. The softball girls were Sam Willis, Mikayla Whaling, Payton Reed and Hana Della Sala. Lights were done by Sam Darling and Tyler Petersen. When asking some members how they felt, Ludington said he “likes to make people laugh.” And a good laugh everyone had! Maddie Wakeland, the drama club head, can’t wait to continue in the upcoming years.

— Kalie Tison

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Paxton-Buckley-Loda

The math team, led by teachers Sheila Pickens and Mindy Duley, placed seventh overall at the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics state competition in Normal.

— Kate Wilson

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St. Joseph-Ogden

SJ-O's We The People team traveled to Washington D.C. to compete. They did not make the Top 10 but made friends and memories, taking in the Tidal Basic, war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. Pictured: Kirsten Schaefer, Zach Dahman, Collin Livesay, Yamilka Casanova, Jack Setterdahl, Izzy Sexton, Aaron Lane, Johanna Schmitz, Kennedy Greer, Emily Elsbernd, Jacob Kern and Paige Siegmund. Photos courtesy Marshall Schacht

— Alyssa Acton

St. Thomas More

Junior and senior prom was held at the I Hotel and Conference Center on Saturday. After dinner was served and shortly before the dance, the royalty court was presented, left to right: Jasmine Waite, Joshua Pierce, Kambyl Stipes, Martin Mondala, Celie Leibach, Ryan Hendrickson, Natalia Andino Guerra, Matthew Delorenzo, Mary Beth Franey and José Andino Guerra.

— José Andino Guerra

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Salt Fork

Last weekend, members of Drama Club performed "The Champ" for its 2023 spring play.

— Macie Russell

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Shiloh

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America students participated in a state convention in Springfield on April 13. Junior Kaylee Ruff (pictured) ran for a 2023-2024 State Officer position and earned her spot. Five other students got to compete in events as well and attend workshops. Sophomore Kayli Trotter also made a book about career investigating. The organization is looking forward to going to the National Leadership Conference in Denver this summer. Congratulatiuons to all the members for their accomplishments.

— Lydia Richardson

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Tuscola

Senior Tristan Gadomski and junior Tavi Neamtu mark the long jump during the annual Tuscola Open track and field meet.

— Grant Kaufmann

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Uni High

American Cancer Society and Students for a Better World partnered on Friday to raise funds by selling build-your-own burrito bowls. The fundraiser brought a large crowd to the small kitchen, and the clubs were able to raise a large amount of money for cancer research.

— Wes Lu

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Unity

Last Wednesday, Roger Kleiss took his Advanced History classes to Springfield to the Abraham Lincoln Museum as well as Lincoln's home and tomb. On Thursday, National Honor Society inducted 21 new members. On Friday, the entire school attended an assembly honoring the four new inductees to the Unity Alumni Hall of Fame: Dr. Audra (Hanks) Thomas, Matt Hausman, Brent O’Neill, and Maggie (Hauser) Klotz. The busy week ended with prom, which was held at the Regent Ballroom in Savoy.

— Jolie Meyer

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Urbana

Last weekend, students went all out for this year's Midnight Masquerade prom theme in downtown Champaign. Photos courtesy Reuben Birdwell.

— Jennifer Arriaga-Lopez

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Westville

Minor Myers Jr. once stated "Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good." Soon-to-be graduates David Stultz, Hayden Weaver, Gage Hatcher and Caden Cheuvront  picked up their graduation packages from senior sponsor, Jamie Jennings, and Josten's rep, Jessica Hageman. The Class of 2023 is getting ready to go into the world and do good.

— Irelynn Phelps

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