“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
The Ottawa Township High School Pirate Poms Dance Team earned 5th place at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Competitive Dance Class 2A Sectional at Champaign Central High School January 24th, qualifying them for the IHSA State Finals January 30th-31st in Peoria.
The team consists of seniors Maddie Anderson, Finley Gross, Maya Martin, Aubrey Maubach, Madi Theissen, juniors Hadley Byrd, Rudi Fleck, Sierra Harmon, Ryann Lee, Mia Lowe, sophomores Michaela Flashing, Sophia Hart, Maddyn Johnson, Addison Landers, Makenzee Rausch, Peyton Richards, Neveah Sholders, Charli Stoudt and freshmen Piper Coglianese and Analia Purcell.
As the 20-member Pirate Pom team led by coaches Alaina Weatherford and Leah Kuhn prepare for their 6th consecutive IHSA State Dance competition, seniors Anderson, Gross, Martin, Maubach and Theissen shared their thoughts about preparing for one of the biggest stages of their competitive dance careers.
On Qualifying for the IHSA State Competition:
ALAINA WEATHERFORD, Coach: “You go to your sectional that has anywhere between 14 to 17 teams, and you have to be in the top six to make it to the state final. There have been 2 years where we didn’t make the state finals.”
AUBREY MAUBACH: “I feel like there's always a lot of pressure every year, because before this year we had qualified for five consecutive state finals. So I think as the seniors, always, there's a lot of pressure to not be that team that doesn't qualify. So there's a huge sigh of relief on Saturday after we made final.”
On preparing for the IHSA State Final Competition in Peoria:
MADI THIESSEN: “There's still something to accomplish once you make it there. That's why we work so hard during this week. Even though we already made it to state - we got through sectionals - we made it to state, now we have to work really hard and try our best to make it to day two. And it's really hard making it to day two and we've never made it, so that's why we work so hard.”
ALAINA WEATHERFORD, Coach:” I feel like we're not taken seriously as dancers sometimes, and we're trying to change that. Dancers are athletes. We are practicing like everyone else, and we don't get to do an hour-long game. We don't get to make adjustments. We have two minutes on the floor, and if everything does not hit, and everything does not look perfect, in those two minutes, we can't pull anyone in off the bench. We can't make any adjustments while we're doing it. So it's like, do or die, two minutes.”
MADDIE ANDERSON: “I would say one of the quotes that our team lives by is “We, not me.” On the floor, because when you're out there dancing, you can't just be focused on yourself. Well, we're doing this 2-minute routine, and you have to be aware of your surroundings. You have to make sure that you're in your line. You have to make sure that you hit everything. Because if not, they dock us points. So we have to try really hard to work as a unit.”
MAYA MARTIN: “You have to go compete in front of this big arena, and you have to be top twelve in order to make it to day two. So, it's a lot of pressure, but also you want to do it for everyone on your team. So you have to do everything you have to do, and you have to leave it out there.”
On their senior dance season after IHSA State Finals:
FINLEY GROSS: “I'm just looking forward to spending the time with my teammates down at IDTA (Illinois Drill Team Association) state, and just hopefully we get 1st place at that one because it's more broken down into categories - so it's not easier - but it's more focused on what style of dance we're doing. So I think that also makes it more exciting and we really get more excited as a team to dance at that one together, even though it's our last time dancing together.”
AUBREY MAUBACH: “We still have, basically, just under a month together, that's left after this weekend. We have the rest of our IDTA state competition season left, which is another competition and then our state. And then we also have our senior night together, which will be the last time dancing together, but our 2nd state is the one where we will do our dances together for the last time.”
MAYA MARTIN: “This (IHSA State Final) is our really big state where everyone knows about the state. And then we go to another state (IDTA), and you also have to qualify for that one, which we did earlier in the season. So I feel like on that day we all bond nicely because this is our last time actually dancing together. So I feel like everyone on the team is gonna do it for the performance, but we're doing it to enjoy our last time dancing all as a team together and performing these dances for the last time. So I feel emotionally everyone's putting everything they have into it.”
ALAINA WEATHERFORD, Coach: “We accomplished our goal, and I tell the girls, just enjoy this week. It's just - it's fun. The mom’s kind of spoil us. So, we're already where I wanted to be. So everything else is just a cherry on top.”
“The significance of this honor is hard to put into words,” says OTHS band director Andrew Jacobi. “It's a huge honor for the band program that only comes with sustained quality.”
The OTHS Wind Ensemble, comprised of top musicians from the overall OTHS band program, is one of four high school bands selected to perform at this year’s 3-day conference presented by the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA).
“This performance is a chance to show the larger Illinois music community what we're doing,” says Jacobi. “Directors notice when you're selected.”
In March of the prior school year, Illinois band directors submit ensembles for consideration to perform at the IMEC. The application requires two recordings, two letters of recommendation from current ILMEA members, and programs from 3-4 recent concerts. An ILMEA review committee evaluates the recordings in May with selections following soon after. “I've applied several times in the past and received that rejection letter each time,” says Jacobi. “Last May, I think I was halfway through reading the email before realizing it was the acceptance letter!”
“Our district is very fortunate to have talented and dedicated music students representing our high school at this prestigious event,” says OTHS Superintendent Dr. Michael Cushing. “We are also fortunate to have highly skilled faculty and staff members leading our music programs at both the high school and affiliated elementary and middle schools.”
Jacobi says this year’s selection is recognition of hard work by past and present students to rebuild the music program after the COVID pandemic. “In some ways, we are still rebuilding, but the commitment of the students has been outstanding throughout this rebuild,” he says. “I never imagined that we'd reach this point this quickly. It's a testament to both past and present members. Each year, we've been able to build onto the progress made the previous year. It's been exciting to watch them grow year after year.”
Jacobi adds reaching this honor is a testament to the support of the entire Ottawa community, giving specific credit to the parents of music students and his OTHS colleague, choir director Ali Stachowicz. “Her constant support and excitement for music helped fuel the growth our program has.”
The OTHS Wind Ensemble performs during the IMEC in the Peoria Civic Center Theater between 8:15AM-9:30AM on Friday January 30th, the second day of the conference.
To prepare, the OTHS Wind Ensemble is hosting a free concert in the OTHS auditorium on Monday, January 26th at 7PM.
The coaching staff and players of the 2012-13 Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) varsity football team are inductees to the 2026 OTHS Hall of Fame sponsored by the OTHS Educational Foundation.
The varsity Pirate football team, which competed in the 2012 season, compiled an overall record of 11-1 which ties for the most wins in a season in the history of the OTHS Pirate football program. Their undefeated 9-0 regular season record notched a Northern Illinois Big 12 West title with a 5-0 undefeated conference record.
The Pirates won the first game of the IHSA Class 6A football playoffs against Normal Community High School. They won the second round by one point, defeating Rock Island High School 21-20 in a thrilling game hosted at historic King Field, advancing them to the quarterfinals.
Their first loss of the season was also their last game that year, losing the quarterfinal round to the eventual IHSA Class 6A state champion Crete-Monee High School.
The Pirates scored 322 points overall in the regular season while yielding just 103 points to their opponents.
The Pirates were led by all-state halfback Michael Hermosillo who set several school records and was crowned the Northern Illinois Big 12 West conference offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP) along with Cyrano Rayfield, named the conference defensive MVP. Tyler Skolek, Austin Burant, Luke Lambert, Bobby McNutt, Nick Neurohr, Christian Price, J.D. Bryant, Will Hoffman and Diego Martinez were also selected for conference honors.
The OTHS Educational Foundation established the Ottawa Township High School Hall of Fame in 2006, focusing on recognition of excellence while a high school student, after leaving OTHS, or a combination of both. While honorees may or may not have attended OTHS, they were significant and accomplished contributors connected to the school district.
A ceremony honoring the 2026 OTHS Hall of Fame inductees is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, beginning at 4PM in the OTHS auditorium followed by a banquet at the Rivers Edge event center. Tickets are $45 and may be purchased by contacting Susan MacDonald at smacdonald@ottawahigh.com or Kelly Schmitt at kschmitt@ottawahigh.com.
Seated left to right in the first row: assistant coaches Mark Cooper, Glenn Weatherford, Gordy Kirkman, head coach Trent Swords, assistant coaches Tom Jeppson, Mark Andrews and equipment manager Kevin Francis
Second row: Trevor Rexroat, Frankie Filippi, Alex Fuentes, Devon Jones, Dylan Thomas, Alex Hinrichs, Brandon Anderson, Garrett Hoffman, assistant coach Pete Sutton
Third row: Alex Hartman, Diego Martinez, Will Hoffman, Nate Roberts, J.D. Bryant, Michael Hermosillo, Laron Coleman, Caleb Dougherty, Logan Killen, Tristan Cunha
Fourth row: Jake Slechta, Daylon Bishop, Carter Krause, Luke Lambert, Austin Burant, Dean Thomas, Tyler Skolek, Kyle Damyen, Jeff Niemann, Jeff Kofoid, Nick Neurohr, Bruce Szobar
Fifth row: Nolan Blankenship, Cahill Horner, Rayden Fisher, Cyrano Rayfield, Aaron Pittman-Teague, Christian Price, Nick Smeets, Cody Stokes, Billy Moore, Jacob Vanda, Austin Bowden, Bobby McNutt, Chaz Jonassen
Campus will be closed to all students and staff members, outside of essential personnel.
All activities on Friday, January 23rd at OTHS are cancelled, including sporting events.
All activities on Saturday January 24th at OTHS are NOT cancelled and are currently on schedule.
The OTHS Educational Foundation Hall of Fame activities scheduled for Saturday, January 24 will NOT be cancelled, and the itinerary for that event will proceed as planned.
The induction ceremony begins at 4PM in the OTHS auditorium, with a banquet at the Rivers Edge event center immediately following the ceremony.
Landers was the president of the OTHS Class of 1971 and was an outstanding football, basketball, baseball and track athlete at OTHS. He played for the undefeated 1970 football team which entered the Hall of Fame in 2024.
After graduation, Landers attended Western Illinois University (WIU) where he was a member of the baseball team all four years. Landers was inducted into the WIU Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1974 baseball team. He graduated from WIU with a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting and a master’s degree in athletic administration.
In 1984 Landers co-founded Fitness Formula, Ltd, and is now the sole owner of the company which developed a Chicago area network under the trade name Fitness Formula Clubs that now employs more than 1,000 staff members. Landers has established partnerships and affiliate relationships with Chicago’s leading hospitals and physical therapy providers including Rush-Presbyterian St. Lukes Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program and NovaCare Physical Therapy - a subtenant located in seven Fitness Formula Clubs.
Recognized as a national leader in the health and fitness industry, Landers was inducted to the Chicago Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in 2024 and was named the 2023 Advocate of the Year by the Health and Fitness Association, where he has previously served as board president. He served as a member of the board of directors of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and served as the IHRSA Board President in 2000.
Landers played a leading role during the COVID pandemic supporting fitness businesses and advancing industry-saving legislation while serving as the Chairman of the launch of the National Health & Fitness Alliance Counsel in 2020.
Landers speaks frequently at fitness conventions and was featured on covers of several industry trade magazines. He founded the FFC Cares Foundation, is an active supporter of Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS and serves as a board member of the non-profit 11-10-02 Foundation providing scholarships and grants to students with financial need.
The OTHS Educational Foundation established the Ottawa Township High School Hall of Fame in 2006, focusing on recognition of excellence while a high school student, after leaving OTHS, or a combination of both. While honorees may or may not have attended OTHS, they were significant and accomplished contributors connected to the school district.
The latest Hall of Fame class will be introduced between OTHS basketball games January 23, 2026, in the school’s historic Kingman Gym. A ceremony honoring inductees is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, beginning at 4PM in the OTHS auditorium followed by a banquet at the Rivers Edge event center. Tickets are $45 and may be purchased by contacting Susan MacDonald at smacdonald@ottawahigh.com or Kelly Schmitt at kschmitt@ottawahigh.com.
Trenity attended the November Disney World leadership trip, joining other future leaders from OTHS in workshops and activities that develop personal and professional qualities in attendees.
“Trenity has made great strides in her academics and has pushed herself this year,” her OTHS teachers commented. “Trenity shows excellent leadership in all her classes, especially in early childhood education. She consistently demonstrates an exceptional work ethic and a genuine commitment to do her best. Trenity’s willingness to assist others makes her a reliable and valued member in her classes. She meaningfully contributes to discussions and is not afraid to express her ideas. These qualities help Trenity create a positive influence for those around her. We wish Trenity all the best in her future endeavors.”
All recipients selected 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.
