“One Ship, One Crew,” he explained during a recent interview after first meeting with players on the 2026 squad. He told his new team the motto is more than just a nod to the well-known transportation method of pirates. “I thought that the idea and the metaphor of the ship and the crew is not only very fitting with us being the Pirates, but also it kind of gives them a picture in their head of what that should look like.”
The goal, says Mundt, is to get the team working together, efficiently, like a ship’s crew. “As coaches, we're going to be the driving force - like the wind,” he says, “but it's up to them and the crew what they're going to do with the sails, how well they're going to work together when a storm comes, like when we struggle in a game or in a half. It's gonna be up to them and their crew on how they're gonna handle those situations.”
As he takes the helm of the Pirate ship from coach Chad Gross who is moving into his new role as OTHS Athletic Director, Mundt is no stranger to Pirate Nation. He led the Pirates as Quarterback in 2004 and 2005 under the direction of OTHS Hall of Fame Coach Tim Jobst. After graduating from OTHS in 2006, Mundt played under center for two different NCAA Division III college teams, first for the Monmouth College Scots and then the Concordia University Chicago Cougars.
He brought that college level experience to LaSalle-Peru High School, where Mundt worked as a math teacher and served on the football coaching staff of the Cavaliers who lead the historic rivalry against Ottawa 73-50-5 since their first matchup in 1897. As quarterback for OTHS in 2005, Mundt led the Pirates to a 12-0 victory against L-P, one of the few wins for OTHS in the rivalry during the last 25 years.
While L-P has claimed victory over OTHS in their matchups since 2015, in Mundt’s mind the only record that matters is the one ahead. “That’s the streak I’m concerned with, not the past, but this year’s team,” Mundt says he told his new players. “It’s great to be aware of and learn from the past, but never to dwell on it. We are going to change the culture, mindset, and mentality of this program.”
As he transitions to OTHS, with two children already attending school in the Milton Pope district, Mundt sees first-hand the growing interest and further development of youth sports locally as an encouraging sign it will lead to more well-rounded talent on his future teams. “I am truly appreciative of all the different youth sports that are available from a very young age that growing up, I didn't have those same opportunities,” he says. “What I would like to see more of is an open mind to compete in more than just one sport. I think there's a huge advantage to learning to compete in different sports and not just to focus on one. I played 3 sports growing up and I think each one of those mentally prepared me for challenges that went beyond sports, and it just gives kids the opportunity to see other aspects.”
While Mundt doesn’t start working in his new classroom until August, he’s already walking the halls of OTHS to rally players and fans for a new era of Pirate football.
“Come summer, we can start working together, developing as a team, and figuring out our roles on the crew, and just kind of getting them to believe in that process,” he says. “Every role across the board has a purpose for the ship to run effectively.”
The event, sponsored by Conroy’s Automotive & Towing this quarter, recognizes students nominated by faculty and staff at OTHS for their exceptional character throughout the school and for their work in the classroom.
The following students were honored for their outstanding achievements:
Business / Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students of the Month:
Evan Ristau, Senior
Bryer Harris, Junior
Cashton Dilley, Sophomore
Aria Phillips, Freshman
Business / Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students of Integrity:
Colt Bryson, Senior
Dreager Duncan, Junior
Madelyn Olszewski, Sophomore
Mckenzie Mool, Freshman
Foreign Language and Fine Arts Students of the Month:
Bethany Polega, Senior
Lylah Rainey, Junior
Allie Quinn, Sophomore
Ocean Fowler, Freshman
Foreign Language and Fine Arts Students of Integrity:
Malcolm Gretencord, Senior
Skylee Fredericksen, Junior
Addisyn Budnick, Sophomore
Iris Hasty, Freshman
The public is invited to Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) as the faculty and staff honor 20 seniors during the 2026 OTHS Student Athlete College Signing Day event on Wednesday March 25th at 6PM in historic Kingman Gym.
Each of the following student athletes committed to play sports at the next level will be introduced at the event:
Jacob Armstrong Milikin University Golf
Colt Bryson Milikin University Golf
Archer Cechowicz Illinois Wesleyan University Football
Bregan Cheatham Lindenwood University Cheerleading
Lucas Farabaugh Aurora University Baseball & Football
Brendyn Fuchs Monmouth College Baseball
Finley Gross St. Norbert College Track
Isabella Markey Sauk Valley Community College Volleyball
Noah Marvin Illinois Valley Community College Baseball
Cash Nilles Chatham University Cheerleading
Kaleb Nimke Illinois Valley Community College Cross Country
Evan Paris McKendree University Football
Stephon Patrick San Bernardino Valley College Football & Track
Ethan Poutre Elmhurst University Football
Owen Sanders Illinois Wesleyan University Basketball
Haley Solan Georgia Southwestern State University Cross County
Mary Stisser Black Hawk College Basketball
Aubrey Sullivan Black Hawk College Softball
Adam Swanson Bradley University Baseball
Bryson Valdez Loras College Football
Each school in the I-8 conference is invited to bring 14 pieces of work created by 14 different students. “We are so proud of our art students in earning first place ribbons in eight out of the fourteen categories,” says OTHS art teacher Paula Carroll.
In addition to a 1st place ribbon for her ceramics project, Leigha Phinney also received a Best in Show award. “Leigha earning an overall Best of Show for her ceramics piece is a deserving recognition for her overall hard work and attention to detail,” Carroll added.
During the competition, as the work is being judged, students participate in art workshops organized by the host school. “It’s always a great day for our students to meet other artists and enjoy the artwork of other students from different schools,” which Carroll hopes inspires their future art projects.
First place ribbons:
Ava Jacobs (Senior) - Drawing Neutral
Luke Passwater (Senior)- Mixed Media
Emma Hinshelwood (Junior)- Painting- Watercolor
Charles Wood (Senior)- Photography (Unaltered)
Sam Wade (Senior)- Computer Generated Art (No A.I.)
Lila Windy (Senior)- Sculpture No Clay
Natalia Schillo (Senior)- Textiles
Leigha Phinney (Senior)- Ceramics
Second place ribbon:
Sidney Nanouski (Junior)- Graphic Design
Workshop Participants:
Charlie White (Senior)
Luke Passwater (Senior)
Sam Wade (Senior)
Mike Enerson (Senior)
Emma Hinshelwood (Junior)
Leigha Phinney (Senior)
August Leiteritz (Senior)
Natalia Schillo (Senior)
30 seniors from the 2026 graduating class organized this year’s event, titled “Beyond the Bell.”
“It’s an event that continues to stand out because it is entirely student-developed for their peers,” says OTHS teacher Ashley Carls, who serves as one of the faculty sponsors for the career fair. “The event also highlighted the dedication of our community partners, who created interactive and engaging displays to connect with students.”
More than 400 OTHS juniors and seniors visited potential employers in the school cafeteria where tables were filled with displays, information, giveaways, and job application forms from a variety of providers ranging from local real estate companies and financial institutions to the U.S. military. “Participating businesses noted students’ professionalism, thoughtful questions, and meaningful conversations,” says Carls, who added some students secured internships and job offers during the event.
Despite a cooling job market, Carls says the number of businesses attending increased this year, and she’s grateful for all the support that makes this unique opportunity for OTHS students possible. “The success of the career fair reflects a true collective effort,” says Carls, “made possible by the commitment and collaboration of our teachers, staff, and students.”
“Throughout Perla’s years at OTHS, she has consistently proven herself to be a diligent and dedicated presence in the classroom, a positive and respectful peer in the hallways, and an effective and compassionate mentor to freshmen students,” her teachers remarked in their award recommendation.
“Perla works tirelessly to achieve her goals and has demonstrated tremendous personal and academic growth throughout her high school career. Impressively, she balances a job outside of school while actively participating in multiple school activities and manages her responsibilities with maturity and determination. Perla sets high expectations for herself and meets them with perseverance and integrity. There is no doubt that she will continue to become a leader in the community and excel in anything she sets her mind to.”
All recipients honored as a Student of the Month receive a $250 award from the OTHS Educational Foundation and are granted use of a preferred parking space at OTHS among other benefits.
“I found it valuable for students to see how legislation works in a realistic setting,” says OTHS social science teacher Nick McLaughlin, who accompanied the students to Springfield.
OTHS students are selected for the YAC program based on participation in the Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government course. The YAC program begins in the fall with students learning more about government in a meeting with Rezin and their peers where they discuss issues important to them that could become legislation, providing a unique experience exploring public policy, state government, and leadership.
During the visit to the State Capitol complex this week, YAC students participated in simulated meetings and hearings related to the legislative issues they reviewed in the fall meeting and visited the floor of the Illinois Senate to meet with state leaders.
“I believe experiences like this are incredibly important,” says McLaughlin. “They help students understand how government functions and hopefully inspire them to become active voices and partners in our democracy.”
“Every year, I see growth from band students,” says OTHS Band Director Andrew Jacobi. “It's rewarding to see things click for them and watch them make connections as they put things together with me or their accompanist. Some highlights on the band end are that we have a student playing the Gordon Jacob Trombone Concerto, which is a major work in professional trombone repertoire, and a student who is playing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto.”
“This year, I'm seeing the most participation I've ever seen from the students in Treble and Concert Choirs,” says OTHS Choir Director Ali Stachowicz, who adds Solo and Ensemble contest is voluntary for those students, but is a requirement for members of the Crimson Choir. “It's exciting for me as an educator to watch younger students be brave enough to sing a solo for the first time, and it's really exciting when they come in well-prepared and confident. For some of the older choir students, Solo & Ensemble is a fun challenge for them to try out some upper-level standards of vocal literature.”
For the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest, students prepare individual pieces for classical voice or instrument or assemble in small groups to practice a selection. During competition, they perform the piece for an audience and a judge who evaluates accuracy, technique, and musicality, issuing a rating from 1-5, with 1 being the highest mark a performance receives. “Through this process, students learn and improve their ability to practice independently, which is a soft skill that they will be able to use to improve their lives long after they are finished with high school music,” says Stachowicz. “Taking a big project, breaking it up into manageable pieces, and doing a little at a time each day and avoiding procrastination leads to students feeling more confident and excited, and having more pride and ownership over their performances at Contest.”
High school music programs across 5 different classes (AA, A, B, C, D) compete in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest and the IHSA Music Organizational Contest. OTHS competes in the IHSA Music Organizational Contest event in mid-April at Kewanee High School. The highest combined score from both events determines the State Champion. Since the IHSA State Music Championship series began in 1972, OTHS has collected 22 total IHSA State Music Championships and 6 IHSA State Music Championship Runner-up finishes.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) is hosting the 2026 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 3A Boys Basketball Sectional at historic Kingman Gym March 3rd through 6th.
On Wednesday, March 4th, Kankakee High School faces East Peoria Community High School.
Tip-off is at 7PM.
Tickets for Wednesday’s game are available for purchase online at the following link:
https://gofan.co/event/6225271?schoolId=IL15619&fbclid=IwdGRleAQVS3hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeW7t0xicHoBMHIugZo700DpsN3Gx9lGMWLG29aqNAAoHgKkwZxArYpnTqJHs_aem_UdO-_pYOcmn39pp0GiOLhg
All purchases are non-refundable.
On Tuesday, March 3rd, LaSalle Peru High School faces Morton High School. Tip-off is at 7PM.
Tickets for Tuesday's game are available for purchase online at the following link:
https://gofan.co/event/6225307?fbclid=IwY2xjawQT5s9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe2SEhMxZUXXqnHLMmDDuifd4Q4eU7Db0b1YhEButDSWZaPQfIUwS8NA2ieu4_aem_XeDqpod9Wsopl8ZWaGFc9w
All purchases are non-refundable.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) Seniors Brooklyn Byone and Luke Passwater are recipients of the 2026 John Ourth Award from the Starved Rock Illinois Principals Association (SRIPA).
Brooklyn and Luke were honored at SRIPA’s Student Recognition Breakfast at Streator High School on Wednesday, February 25th. SRIPA dedicates the breakfast in memory of John Ourth, who helped initiate the annual student recognition event in 2007. Ourth was a charter member of the Illinois Principals Association and served as president in 1976-1977. He was a teacher or principal in Media, Burnside, Ferris and Carthage, Illinois, and retired as the principal of Oak Terrace School in Highwood. He also served in the National Association for Elementary School Principals among other organizations.
The John Ourth Award honors two exceptional students from the exiting grade of a school who best exhibit the qualities that made Ourth a respected role model for others. At OTHS, the senior counselor selects two students in the graduating class to receive the award and attend the breakfast on the basis of character, leadership, work ethic and participation.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) Senior Juliana Thrush and Junior Lily Gwaltney qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls State Wrestling Championships.
Team co-captain Thrush (235 pounds) finished with a first-place podium appearance and Gwaltney (100 pounds) finished in 3rd place at the IHSA Sectionals held in Dixon Saturday February 14th.
Thrush is a 4-time Sectional Champion and participates in her fourth State Championship. This is Gwaltney’s third State Championship appearance.
As Thrush, Gwaltney and coach Kevin Augenbaugh prepare for matches this weekend held at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, they shared their thoughts about the road to “State.”
How were you introduced to wrestling?
Lily Gwaltney: “I first got into it because my dad did it, so he wanted me and my sister to start it when we were little, and then I kind of just started liking it and just stuck with it.”
Juliana Thrush: “My parents didn’t want me to wrestle, and I wanted to do it and prove I could do it. Because they stereotyped wrestling, how everyone gets hurt, how it's like a horrible sport, and how you have to cut all this weight. And I'm like, I can do it. If anyone can do it, I can do it. My parents now actually like it, and my friends are definitely one of the main reasons that I'm in the sport, and I've continued with it.”
Because of your success, have you made the sport look easier than it is?
Juliana Thrush: “I feel like a lot of people don't understand that. I feel like they're always like, ‘Oh, if you can do it, I can do it.’ And it's one of those things, like - I put in the work. You don't even know how to wrestle. It's not easy.”
Lily Gwaltney: “I think for how long I've been doing it, it's just kind of like a natural thing to me, but I feel for someone else who would be like a first year (athlete), it's harder especially starting from an older age, it'd be hard to do. But when you start from a younger age, it's kind of easier and you pick it up.”
Kevin Augenbaugh, Coach: “Any given match, you can win or lose a match based on one false step based on one mistake, or the opponent making that mistake. Our job is to make sure that they're ready to make their opponent make that mistake. But that's one of the beautiful things about wrestling. Records don't matter. Nothing matters until you get on that mat. Anybody can win. And it's not like we're in football - because I'm a football coach - you don't have a whole team to be out there. You can't take a play off. You're out there, you gotta give 110% the whole time. And you're hoping that your opponent doesn't. You're hoping you can just outdo them on that mat each time.”
How are you preparing for the IHSA State Championship?
Lily Gwaltney: “What’s mostly stressful for me is family and the people who come and watch because you don't wanna let them down. So it’s a lot of drills at practice. I guess I just want them to see the work I put in.”
Juliana Thrush: “I have to give it my all. Last year, I feel like I didn't really give it my all. But now I have to fully. This is my last time with the school, and if it's one of those things where “I wish I could have,” - I don't want to say that when I'm older. I want to say, “I did this.” Not “I wish I did this.’”
Does it help having a teammate also qualify for the IHSA State Championship?
Lily Gwaltney: “I like it because she (Thrush) was the only girl last year, and that's how I was at Streator (Woodlawn) my freshman and sophomore year too. It just helps having someone that you're going with from your school, I guess. Because everyone else has people that they're going with from their school too, I feel like going with someone of your team instead of by yourself, you know, provides a cheering section.”
Juliana, you’ve qualified for state all four years of high school. How is this one different?
Juliana Thrush: “It's kind of a standard now. since freshman year. The fact that I even made it freshman year… it's now one of those things, like, if I don't make it, what does that make me? There's a lot of people that just are there for the fun of it. There's a lot of people that are there to win. And then there's people that are there just to be with friends. I'm definitely one of those people that I'm there for wrestling.”
Lily, do you welcome the attention that comes with being a state qualifier?
Lily Gwaltney: “I like when parents ask me if their kids should be in and stuff, so I feel like that kind of helps being in the news and stuff.”
What are your goals for the IHSA State Championship?
Juliana Thrush: “Top five. I want to be on the podium. I don't want to be standing next to it.
Lily Gwaltney: “I kind of just wanna be able to at least place once before I graduate.”
Kevin Augenbaugh, Coach: “I want them both to enjoy the moment when they're down there. Don't worry about the wins and losses that will come. Just wrestle hard and everything will work out right.”
The music departments of the Ottawa Elementary School (OES) District 141 and Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) District 140 present the 36th Annual OEHS Music Festival on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in historic Kingman Gym.
The annual OEHS (Ottawa Elementary & High School) Music Festival, which assembles over 200 student musicians in grades 5th through 12th for an afternoon of collaboration, is a reminder to the performers and a reinforcement to the audience of the importance of music education at every stage of a performer’s development.
It also demonstrates the ways music can bring a community together.
From the first notes of the beginning band and choir students to the more advanced performances of the high school bands and choirs, the event highlights the growth, discipline, and independence of making music together.
The concert is led by OTHS Band Director Andrew Jacobi, OTHS Choral director Ali Stachowicz, Shepherd Band Director Martin Czarnecki, Shepherd Middle School Choral Director Madelyn Adelman, Central Intermediate School Band Director Becky Weiler and Central Intermediate School Choral Director Keisha Sanders. The event also features accompaniment from retired OTHS Band Director Sarah Reckmeyer, local musician Anne Badger and administrative assistance from Leighton Williams. The finale of the concert is a combined performance of "America, the Beautiful," arranged by Warren Barker and conducted by Keisha Sanders.
The long history of music education in Ottawa is an enduring testament to the power of collaboration and cooperation between the music staff, school administrators, families, and community. That united effort ensures the music programs continue to thrive and evolve for future generations.
The music staff of OTHS and OES cordially invites you to attend an afternoon of celebration of shared love of music in the community.
“Luke consistently sets the bar high, standing out for his exceptional talent, dedication, and creativity,” Passwater’s art teachers commented in their recommendations for his recognition. “Luke’s strong work ethic is evident in every project. He approaches each assignment with care, persistence, and a genuine commitment to craftsmanship. Skilled across multiple mediums, Luke demonstrates both technical proficiency and a unique artistic voice, making him a well-rounded and versatile artist. Whether experimenting with new techniques or refining familiar ones, he brings passion, discipline, and imagination to his work, earning admiration from both peers and teachers. It has been a pleasure to watch Luke grow as an artist and as a student. He has grown into a confidence that is not always evident in a high school student.
The OTHS Art Department is excited to hear about Luke’s future successes and adventures. We have no doubt that he will be successful.”
All recipients honored as a Student of the Month receive a $250 award from the OTHS Educational Foundation and are granted use of a preferred parking space at OTHS among other benefits.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) Junior Wes Weatherford, captain of the OTHS varsity boys wrestling team, qualified for the IHSA Class 2A State Wrestling Championships.
Weatherford finished with a second-place podium appearance at the IHSA Class 2A Sectionals held in Geneseo February 14th.
As Weatherford and coach Peter Marx prepare for State Championship matches held at State Farm Center at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana this week, they shared their thoughts about the road to “State.”
Was qualifying at Sectionals for the IHSA Class 2A State Championship a surprise or an expectation?
Wes Weatherford: “I'm just more proud that I made it. From freshman year not even getting out of regionals to junior year making it, it was just big bounds every year, and I'm just taking every match one step at a time so I can hopefully get on the podium.”
Peter Marx, Coach: “I think Wes knew going in that if he wrestled the way he was capable of, he could definitely make it down to state. And we knew he had a real good shot on making it to the finals. So, I think he met expectations, but then again, in wrestling anything can happen. So, you can't take anything for granted. But we were very confident in Wes that he would have an outstanding tournament.”
Wes Weatherford “Everyone believes that they can make it, and everyone gives it their entire all, every single time they're on the mat. And it's one of those sports where the nitty gritty stuff is really what will show how much better you are than someone else. So, I have to have the right mindset every single time to do well.”
Does participation in multiple sports make you a better wrestler?
Wes Weatherford: “I'd say it's the other way around - wrestling kind of makes me better at other sports. It prepares you physically for really anything, and especially mentally, because the 6 minutes you spend wrestling feels so quick if you're not going through it, but it's the longest thing I've ever felt. And it's just mentally making me a better person. My work ethic tremendously improves when I wrestle. I go from probably November to July and then I take August to October for football, but (preparing and practicing for wrestling) is almost year round.”
How is Wes an ideal ambassador for OTHS at the IHSA State Wrestling Championships?
Peter Marx, Coach: “Wes exemplifies everything you want in a captain and everything you want as a teammate. He leads by example; he leads by voice. He comes in, he gets practice ready. He's not afraid to do little things of, you know, just rolling on the mats, mopping the mats, things like that, moving mats. He's always there. He's always leading the way. He's always getting other kids going. He is an absolute coach's dream as far as being a captain is concerned and being a leader on the team. And I know a lot of the kids look up to him; they've looked up to him since day one. of the season, this year, and last year as well.”
What are the goals for competing at the IHSA State Wrestling Championships?
Wes Weatherford: “Getting there has always been my main goal. I always thought I have to get there first before I can do anything else. So, I mean, placing would be great. It was just my main goal of getting there. So now I'm just gonna take another step at a time and hopefully come out on the podium. This past week at Sectionals is probably the most nervous I've ever been. So now I'm kind of - not like carefree - but I have no weight on my shoulders. I'm going in open-minded for everything.”
Peter Marx, Coach: “His goal should be to win his first match. And just take it one match at a time. If you start looking ahead and you start looking at what could be, what should be, that's when you lose matches that you're not supposed to lose. Down in state, there are no easy matches. There are no easy spots. Everyone down there is a state qualifier. Everyone down there is a very, very good wrestler. So, you can't take anything for granted, and a big thing is, and it's really hard to explain - and Wes is going to experience this when he gets down there - you can't get intimidated by the venue. It’s a completely different vibe and feeling than anywhere he wrestled before. And I've seen really good kids get intimidated by it and get beat by the venue more than they get beat by the kids because they're just so in awe of it. And so, you just got to remember, it's just another tournament. These are just all real good kids, just go out, take it one match at a time, and don't look ahead, don't worry about what everybody else is doing. Don't worry about who your next match is gonna be against. Just worry about that one match that you have in front of you. And if he does that, I think he's got a good shot doing well.”
Congratulations to the following students from the Senior class:
Hailey L. Abromaitis, Jordyn R. Allen, Kaden J. Araujo, Jacob H. Armstrong, Jada R. Arroyo, Brayden L. Batistini, Taylor M. Brandt, Brayden R. Brewer, Colt K. Bryson, Makena J. Burke, Brooklyn E. Byone, Brianna R. Camacho, Jayden X. Carbajal, Jaxon S. Carrier, Archer N. Cechowicz, Bregan L. Cheatham, Teagan M. Cole, Lucas J. Conley, Alexander J. Contreras, Giovanni N. Contreras, Kerrigan A. Cooney, Jaylah M. Cortez, Emmalee A. Crosby, Tessa M. Diaz, Josephine E. Donahue, Cameron J. Dumke, Andrea A. Espinoza, Hayley C. Ewers, Lucas A. Farabaugh, Ally M. Fascetta, Kilah G. Figenbaum, Daniel I. Fisher, Laurel A. Fisher, Savannah E. Foster, Tyler J. Frazer, Mario A. Gerena, Malcolm P. Gretencord, Perla Gutierrez, Isabel M. Gwaltney, Samantha M. Halterman, Rylee S. Harsted, Griffin J. Hughes, Hezekiah J. Joachim, Jack M. Johnson, Reagan L. Julian, James M. Koppenhoefer, Avery S. Leigh, Joseph D. Liebhart, Noah A. Logan, Isabella M. Markey, Maya A. Martin, Diego Martinez, Aubrey E. Maubach, Brennan T. Mcnally, Lily E. Miller, Shaelyn E. Miller, Thomas M. Milligan, Emma R. Molina, Zulee S. Moreland, Maritza J. Munoz, Robert G. Murphy, Jonathan D. Neu, Cash M. Nilles, Kaleb F. Nimke, Daphne M. Northrip, Dominic M. Parks, Luke J. Passwater, Ishika V. Patel, Xina H. Perez, Bethany G. Polega, Mason E. Posey, Ethan D. Poutre, Wyatt W. Quinn, Ava M. Ramza, Jasmine M. Resendez, Alyssa R. Reynolds, Bradley T. Reynolds, Gabriel M. Rissman, Evan R. Ristau, Grecia E. Romero, Claira M. Ruiz, Owen R. Sanders, Kaylee M. Santoy-Ceja, Manuel A. Saucedo-Garcia, Natalia E. Schillo, Leah A. Schiltz, Madison L. Schmidt, Katherine A. Serby, Ayden J. Sexton, Grant P. Smithmeyer, Haley J. Solan, Christian Solis, Madilyn P. Soulsby, Madison V. Sowell, Paul G. Stallmann, Mary C. Stisser, Aubrey E. Sullivan, Charles R. Thiry, Celie A. Thomas, Kendall Thorsen, Juliana L. Thrush, Riley L. Thrush, Alexis R. Troutman, Gracie A. Troutman, Bryson A. Valdez, Andrew P. Vercolio, Isabella S. Wade, Ava A. Weatherford, Judith L. Wilson, Lila L. Windy, Rhoin E. Zopp.
Congratulations to the following students from the Junior class:
Alyana N. Adams, Gaige M. Anderson, Braiden J. Angelico, Marissa C. Barrientos, Kendall J. Biba, Noah D. Bockelmann, Ciara R. Bolf, Lailah M. Bologna, Bella G. Borowski, Landon J. Brandt, Emma R. Brasfield, Taylor L. Burke, Maverick A. Burress, Alivia M. Butler, Hadley M. Byrd, Chloe Carmona, Dane R. Carretto, Jack D. Carroll, Alexis Cavalear, Finley F. Cooper, Guadalupe Corral, Logan Cottingham, Owen M. Czech, Raegan O. Davis, Olivia R. Dekreon, Loraine C. Dobson, Shelby Domoleczny, Evan M. Dubois, Dreager A. Duncan, Brooke A. Durkee, Cade Eirhart, Bailey E. Etscheid, Callie J. Etscheid, Aiden J. Evans, Evan D. Farrell, Aleixo A. Fernandez Jobst, Rudi R. Fleck, Matthew R. Fleming, Kenleigh A. Fowler, Ashlynn M. Ganiere, Amelia G. Gaughan, Davin J. Gebhardt, Kenzie Genest, Giovanny D. Gomez, Jacen C. Guerrero, Jocelin Gutierrez, Bryer M. Harris, Ailey J. Harstad, Camron C. Harvey, Madelyn G. Hedge, Ariah Hernandez, Emma M. Hinshelwood, Raymond Hladovcak, Jayden Hoang, Ashton G. Houdek, Aaliyah K. Howard, Ava M. Jacobs, Eli M. Jeppson, Gwendalynn R. Jimenez, Ryder A. Keylard, Bella K. Knoll, Kaden M. Konwinski, Evan H. Le, Ryann E. Lee, Piper G. Lewis, Hendrix N. Link, Michelle Lopez, Mia R. Lowe, Hallee M. Loza, Payton C. Lyon, Caleb R. Marek, Maddox L. Mathews, Mara L. Mccullough, Madisyn A. McGrath, Baileigh N. McIntyre, Dillon Mckinnon, Taylor J. Miner, Wyatt F. Mix, Kyrah L. Morey, Libby M. Muffler, Michelle Munoz, Valeria Munoz, Sidney Nanouski, Camila J. Navarro, Logan Olson, Evelin Olvera, Zadie T. Ortiz, Jaickob Y. Pastor Ortiz, Fabiola Perez Lopez, Jacob R. Phelps, Nora J. Poggi, Aidan G. Polancic, Robert Polier, Cassondra Powell, Carter A. Price, Reese M. Purcell, Lylah Rainey, Rosemarie Ramirez, Aubrey E. Ringelspaugh, Mary C. Rodriguez, Alexis N. Rogers, Adelynn Russell, Cheyenne Russo, Julian X. Ruvalcaba, Lexi L. Sawin, Dane W. Schmitz, Tristan A. Shama, Jaxzon F. Shevokas, George H. Shumway, Douglas Sibert, Alexzander Simpson, Emmy Small, Donovan M. Smith, Bobbi S. Snook, Jenalyn G. Stahr, Braydn L. Streicher, Payton M. Taylor, Annabelle M. Threadgill, Caitlyn D. Trettenero, Nathan J. Underhill, William M. Underhill, Aerith R. Underwood, Mara E. Vedder, Jules Verron-Dumazel, Logan W. Walker, Glenn W. Weatherford, Sheyanne S. Weaver, Rowan M. Weems, Charles J. White, Margaret J. Wiegman, Quinn M. Wilkinson, Emma G. Wilson, Ryan M. Wilson, Breckin Winter, Brock A. Yarbrough, Gabriel J. Zeglis.
Congratulations to the following students from the Sophomore class:
Josie Akins, Liviya S. Alaimo, Laynie R. Allen, Evelyn R. Andree, Zoey Angelico, Joshua M. Armstrong, Evelyn Barrera, Michael P. Beattie, Isaac R. Bellel, Ember D. Bertalot, Brayden E. Biewer, Alexavier Billings, Jerome D. Bridwell, Aries M. Brown, Atlas W. Brown, Addisyn M. Budnick, Amy M. Budnick, Joclyn E. Butzen, Sydney Camp, Reagan L. Carlson, Ashley N. Carnes, Teague A. Carretto, Lillian E. Clayton, Keaton J. Closen, Ryker Cole, Bryan M. Cortez-Olivo, Nadia Y. Delgado, Cashton C. Dilley, Taylor A. Ditchfield, Thayden Downey, Zelda Dubois, Keira J. Duffy, Leah V. Ferrantino, Bella M. Fisher, Michaela M. Flashing, Daisy Flores, Savannah J. Fredericksen, Kayjah M. Frohlich, Alexander J. Gazda, Connor Gray, Zachary Green, Keelin G. Gross, Bryce J. Hansen, Sophia Hart, Alexa Hernandez, Ella K. Hobson, Libee L. Hoffman, Nevan L. Holloway, Reeve A. Hortega, Jett J. Johnson, Margaret L. Jones, Sienna Justice, Carson S. Keylard, Melanie Kimmey, Georgia K. Kirkpatrick, Savannah M. Kochan, Wyatt A. Krause, Addison C. Landers, Paisley A. Leal, John K. Lee, Kaiden D. Lemke, Wrigley Leslie, Illiana A. Luke, Josalyn M. Lyle, Ryleigh Lyon, Melissa G. Marabotti, Savannah Markey, Aaliyah M. Martin, Alexander Martinez, Maximus Maubach, Kimberly Michel, Karsyn R. Moore, Rory P. Moore, Ava Morones, Piper Mosley, Ryan Mueller, Jr., Grant M. Muenchow, Mckinsey Mundt, Angel Munoz, Jaxon Neu, Leah R. Norris, Madelyn Olszewski, Nathan P. Oneill, Hailey S. Palko, Jayden J. Pannell, Gabrielle C. Payne, Caden Perry, Emily Pierre, Lila J. Platt, Nick A. Posey, Allison C. Power, Allie Quinn, Caleb R. Ramirez, Carter Ratliff, Makenzee R. Rausch, Kendall A. Read, Leah M. Reed, Peyton Richards, Jaxon R. Rissman, Connor Robbins, Chloe S. Roberts, Caden W. Roether, John Ruiz, Jordyn E. Scheive, Blake C. Schiltz, Isabella Schweigen, Ariana B. Serna, Mckinley E. Shepherd, Nevaeh R. Sholders, Reid Simmons, Dixie A. Smick, Jayden Spencer, Miles M. Stafford, Ethan W. Steele, Gunner Stevens, Charli F. Stoudt, Jaylin Sullivan, Caitlyn M. Swartz, Coltin J. Swartz, James Threadgill, Hailey M. Thrush, Jake R. Torres, Kamrun Verdin, Meredith K. Waldron, Celeste E. Wallace, Quinn R. Windy, Jackson Witte, Jessica Zhu, Peyton L. Zuchora.
More than 500 Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) students earned special recognition for achieving Honor Roll in the second quarter.
Congratulations to the following students from the Freshman class:
Vanessa G. Aceves, Lucille R. Alexander, Liam B. Alleman, John C. Armstrong, Elizabeth A. Arnold, Yarethzie Arrez, Alexis A. Avalos, Maddelyn R. Backos, Grayson O. Baer, Cooper S. Baxter, Indie J. Baylis, Shianne L. Bensa, Killian D. Berkland, Kyana A. Berry, Jalaya R. Berry-Robinson, Addison M. Blacklaw, Andrew J. Brink, Joseph H. Brown, Taylor S. Bruck, Brian M. Burke, Laurelei R. Burkhart, Desmond G. Burress, Aubrey R. Carrera, Zoe E. Carrizo-England, Raymond J. Casas, Jr., Trinity M. Casas, Piper A. Coglianese, Julia E. Craig, Sawyer M. Culjan, Earl W. Czech, Teagan J. Darif, Ashlynn N. Dean, Natalie E. Dettmann, Joseph B. Donahue, Dezlan A. Duncan, Savannah E. Ehorn, Henry M. Farabaugh, Lydia K. Farrell, Luca B. Fernandez Jobst, Mikayla V. Fiarito, Geovany M. Fiscal, Jaelyn N. Forino, Ocean E. Fowler, Venecia M. Fowler, Landon C. Fritz, Raidynn L. Fuller, Lane C. Gabehart, Estefania E. Garcia, Madelyn B. Gibbons, Aubrie M. Goodchild, Jeremiah L. Graman, Gunner N. Grammer, Leela L. Gromm, Amiela L. Guerrero, Axel Gutierrez, Avery S. Hall, Abigail M. Halsey, Sophia E. Halterman, Lily C. Hamlet, Kendall A. Hardee, Wren N. Harris, Anthony G. Harrison, Iris M. Hasty, Brennen S. Heaver, Kyle J. Hedge, Hunter Heuser, Keiana Hood, Denzel O. Houston, Sophia J. Jacobs, Elliott J. Jarmusz, Miles J. Johnson, Tucker R. Johnson, Beyoance'Anna J. L. Jones, Kendall B. Justice, Kinsley M. Justice, Kennedy R. Kane, Megan E. Kane, Delilah N. Karahalios, Leah L. Kearfott, Dawsynn M. Kettman, Ella M. Kielan, Quinn S. Kohut, Andrew R. Kovash, Emily L. Kumiega, Vanessa R. Laitila, Kathryn Z. Lane, Everett J. Laury, Layla G. Leo, Taylan L. Lewis, Bryce A. Lucas, Mitchell A. Macias, Drake A. Mann, Javier J. Marquez, Bodie J. Martin, Crystal M. Martinez, Hunter G. Marx, Braxten J. Mcalpine, Irelynn M. Mcalpine, Owen J. Mccague, Andrew D. Mcginnis, Connor R. Medina, Dominic X. Melara, Jessie L. Merritte, Aiden S. Miller, Keandre T. Miller, Mckenzie K. Mool, Mayson A. Munson, Alaina C. Nimke, Jack S. Oslanzi, Dane M. Passwater, Aria L. Phillips, Zoiy H. Phillips, Jackson H. Pitstick, John W. Poggi, Christopher J. Polega, Michael J. Polich, Sophera R. Polier, Brooklyn N. Powell, Isabella S. Puente, Analia Purcell, Lydia K. Purcell, Mariah K. Putnam, Daisy M. Rabadan, Zophia Ramirez, Denali R. Reimer, Esmerelda R. Remington, Lillian E. Rende, Addison C. Riha, Chase L. Riley, Christian J. Robinson, Grant J. Robinson, Malina E. Rodriguez, Brandon M. Rogers, Jr., Christina Runde-Gonzalez, Madelyn M. Salz, Dylan R. Samaniego, Ashlee L. Schell, Madison M. Schillings, Sarah M. Scobey, Luna R. Shipley, Miranda L. Shorkey, Emma J. Small, Makenna C. Smith, Isabella A. Sovero, Micah T. Stanek, James M. Steder, William J. Stewart, Cole J. Stoudt, Rianne Stef Tago, Jayla J. Tapia, Sophie M. Taylor, Jaxson C. Thomas, Haily A. Thorson, Addison M. Tiedemann, Emma L. Treest, Mason D. Trettenero, Gisell Valdez, Isaac C. Valencia, Kaleb M. Vargas, Ella G. Vicich, Trace R. Wesbecker, Rose Whitecotton, Jude M. Willet, Brandyn Wilson, Brinley M. Winter, Nathan L. Worby, Jaimee A. Wozek, Christopher D. Znaniecki, Vincent J. Zuber.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) hosted a quarterly Student Recognition Breakfast Friday January 30th.
The event, sponsored by Robb and Amy Hasty this quarter, recognizes students nominated by faculty and staff at OTHS for their exceptional character throughout the school and for their work in the classroom.
The following students were honored for their outstanding achievements:
English Students of the Month:
Landon Brandt, Junior
Evelyn Andree, Sophomore
Leela Gromm, Freshman
English Students of Integrity:
Xina Perez, Senior
Leif Jorgenson, Junior
Aylah Santoy, Sophomore
Joey Brown, Freshman
Math Students of the Month:
Joey Liebhart, Senior
Eli Jeppson, Junior
Jaxon Rissman, Sophomore
Jaelyn Forino, Freshman
Math Students of Integrity:
Andrew Vercolio, Senior
Bella Knoll, Junior
Meredith Waldron, Sophomore
Dominic Melara, Freshman
Pirate Nation Student Recognition Awards:
Work Ethic: Grant Smithmeyer
Leadership: Evelyn Andree
Character: Jack Carroll
Work Ethic: Thayden Downey
Leadership: Wes Weatherford
Character: Ashlynne Ganiere
