The Sentinel: 10/24/24

Unity Junior High 2024-2025 First Quarter High Honor Roll

Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved high honor roll status during the first quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.

6th Grade High Honor Roll

Wyatt James Aughney
Lylla Lorene Bennett
McKenna Ilene Bennett
William Terrance Bieser
Jace Boyett
Rachel Elaine Sharples Brooks
Mila Marie Lynn Brown
Connor John Chesnut
Brielle Mun-Yee Chin
Wyatt Michael Deakin
Finley Douglas
Kennedy Phoenix Dykeman
Reid William Edwards
Ashlyn Elizabeth Estes
Hunter Byron Estes
Odin Jeffrey Evans
Shirley Arianna Garcier
Liam Thomas Grussing
Aneela Joy Hagerman
Aubrey Lou Hartman
Luke Raymond Hottman
Asher Jett
Pyper Rayne Jones
Zaylee Elaine Kohlenberg
Landon Robert Little
Lucas James Michels
Peyton Elizabeth Neighbors
Charlotte Rose Ocasio
Josephine Jane Pulleyblank
Jace Alek Revell
Olivia Ann Ruggieri
Zachary David Ruhter
Mallory Mya Schmid
Blake Robert Stierwalt
Conor William Zumbahlen

7th Grade High Honor Roll

Maylie Rose Bates
Nora Kristina Blanchard
Bradley Roger Bruhn
Brailey Marie Cain
Viola Ayame Carman
Lydia Grace Crowe
Kylee Paulette Cunningham
Elizabeth Irene Davidson
Bronson Edwin Davis
Savannah Jo Drewes
Quentin Xavier Dykeman
Collin Daniel Eckstein
Beau Richard Eisenmenger
Alarik Byrum Ellison
Cooper Alexander Fairbanks
Nadia Grace Fairbanks
Hayden Marie Gabbard
Libbey Marlene Ethel Griffin
Jessica Marie Hamilton
Harper Quinn Harris
Dylan Paul Holladay
Mason James Holladay
Aaron Joseph Hood
William Timothy Huntington
Gabriel Heinrich Jahnel
Allie Rose Kamradt
Molly Kathryn Lydia Kleiss
John Isaac "Isaac" Leaman
Adelyn Jolene Maxwell
Ashley Ann Mumm
Nicole Nava Palomares
Caylynn Josie Parker
Raelyn Marie Prosser
Jordan William Pruitt
Avery Elizabeth Remole
Matias Alberto Rios Toro
Smilemarino Mulanga Sardo
Camdon Levi Schmid
Drake Alan Siuts
Kataryna Sperry
William Ross Wetherell
Levi Nelson White
Kadence Ryleigh Wiese
Alexis LeAnn Wolken
Alivia RaeLyn Wolken
Brendan Kurtis Zerrusen

8th Grade High Honor Roll

Kenny Wayne Adcock
Lilly Annabelle Bailes
Brooklyn Blair Bates
Ethan Earl Bent
Elizabeth Joanne Berkey
Katherine Elaine Berkey
Konnor Lewis Bletscher
Sylvia Lola Cahill
Logan Chounard
Kale Boden Cowan
Trevor Daniel Coy
Alec Joseph Daly
McKenzie Lynn Deakin
Steven Gambill
Jaxson Edward Glad
Amelia Marie Good
Hayden Bradley Grussing
Jordan Elizabeth Hamilton
Kynedy Ashlynn Hoel
Holly Marie Howey
Alivia Krall
Jauniyah Rosemarie Lisanby
Adeline Marie Marinelli
Tatum Faith Meharry
Baeden Edward Millsap-Moore
Jacklynn Kay Alexandra Moore
Holden William ONeill
Carolina Maria Pagaduan Popovics
Luc Sandor Marcelo Popovics
Makaylin Pugh
Maya Alexis Rawdin
Bella Rose Robbins
Madelyn Olivia Roth-Robertson
Skylar Grace Savona
Sophia Isabella Schuckman
Jaylan Serczyk
Vivian Rosalie Shunk
Hayden Dale Smith
Abigail Elise Spomer
Dylan Robert Stierwalt
Olivia Jane Styan
Jack Christopher Terven
Nicholas James Thomas
Hayley Olivia Thompson
Cassandra Pearl Thweatt
Charles Reider Watson
Quentin Stephen Webber
Hallee Ann Weber Patterson
Lucas Neal Williams
Olivia Lynn Wilson
Ashton Jace Wolf
Adam Scott Wolken

Unity Junior High 2024-2025 First Quarter Honor Roll

Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved honor roll status during the first quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.

6th Grade Honor Roll

Nolan Matthew Astroth
Molly Margrethe Bailes
Madelyn JoAnn Bear
Journie Elizabeth Castle
Madisen Diane Coy
Avery Brooks Curry
Claire Bronte Davis
Dominic Dees
Hayven Corrine Douglas
Jackson Carter Elam
Caroline Elizabeth Greenwald
Ezekiel Makai Hastings
Emilia Hibbs
Christian Timothy Vincent Johnson
Airyanna Alene Jones
Khloe Nikita Kellogg
Elijiah Cole Lambert
Jerzey Lawler
Avalee Susan Little
Gavin James Lutz
Bentley Michael Mcduffie
Hunter Reed McIntosh
Brielle Raine Molina
Logan Alexander Nasser
Xavier Lee Perry Robinson
Autumn Polaczek
Tucker Lee Pruiett
Emory Grace Renfroe
Nolan Dwight Seidlitz
Paige Elizabeth Siuts
Brody Lee Skibbe
Lila Rose Souza
Elizabeth Ann Stewart
Giselle Ann Thomas
Haven Marie Thomas
Liam Thomas
Jaylynn Whiteside
Jase William Kenneth Wierman
Abel James Wilson
Jordan Lily Zoch

7th Grade Honor Roll

Valerie Sky Abon
Bentley Kaidyn Bednar
Rya Jolee Bialeschki
Bailey Block
Liam Aeron Blom
Isaac Mathew Boitnott
Rowan Bryant
Harper Christine Causey
Raeann Loucille Cozad
Raymond Curtsinger
Olivia Kate Davis
Greyson Zachary DeHart
Luke JR Dougherty
Brady Gallagher Eckstein
Tinsley Layne Elliott
Kenzlee Rae Evans
Evelyn Anne Gould
Natalie May Gumbel-Paeth
Addilynn Mae Hatfield
Benjamin Isaac Hoewing
Finnegan Samuel Bowie Isberg
Matthew Stephen Kroes
Azaria Christianne Lisanby
Adeliah June Little
Jack Thomas Ludwinski
Collin Danger Manion
Owen Thomas Menacher
Finn Alexander Merkle
Graham Charles Moore
Ellie Rose Parker-Johnson
Maxwell Tyler Pound
Makena Jade Pruitt
Riker Alan Rogers
Kyle Sean Roosevelt
Jonah Ryan Schriefer
Ezra Alan Schultze
Layla Marie Scott
Daisy Mae Stierwalt
Clementine Lucille Summitt
Silas Richard Swim
Jaycob David Tatman
Trystan Leon Trolia
Owen Robert Vasey
Lucy Jeane Weaver
Jovianna Hilton Wishall
Phoebe Ashlynn Witheft

8th Grade Honor Roll

Sawyer Michael Abrahamson
Kelsey Marie Adcock
Grace Bailey
Ty Craig Benedict
Ella Addyson Bromley
Ryker Cenzano
Hadley Marie Cler
Hayden Curtsinger
Emma Nicole Denney
Katelyn Dhom
Giulietta DiBello
Sophia Hope Dillman
Evan Matthew Donaldson
Jase Charles Eisenmenger
Keelie Rae Germano
Aubrie Paige Gumm
Samuel Bentley Hollett
Owen Dean Hottman
Cora Dee Leonard
Owen Michael Lighty
Liam Hayes Logsdon
Russell Patrick McCabe
Addyson Jo McIntosh
Lane Lucas Meharry
Lilly Madelyn Meharry
Ellery Merkle
Emma Grace Mohr
Lillian Calen Mohr
Alexis Nicole OBryan
Parker William Thomson Owens
Marley Rae Parks
Jaxon David Pendleton
Logan Harvey Reimer Couch
Henry Scott Ritchie
Connor Allen Schwartz-Rouse
Austin David Shafer
Trevor James Shallenberger
Jasper Lee Souza
Tucker Douglas Stierwalt
Ryder Vincent Stipp
Cade Robert Styan
Jayden Michael Terven
Deklyn James Thomas
Henry Joseph White
Za'Brya White-Thompson
Bryson Matthew Williams
Alec Wishall
Ethan Matthew Wishall

Guest Commentary |
Americans are living under greater financial burden

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

The average monthly car payment for a new vehicle is $734 according to second-quarter 2024 Experian data — up 0.1% year after year. Used cars have an average monthly payment of $525, down 2.1%. Meanwhile, new lease payments average $586, a 2.3% decrease.

The average house payment is around $2,700 per month.

The average rent payment is between $1,300 and $1,789 per month.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average single person can spend between $238.46 and $434.33 per month on groceries. Many factors will impact a given individual's expenses, such as location and eating style.

The average family spends about $270 at the grocery store per week, but that number increases when children are taken into account. Families with kids spend an average of $331 a week on groceries or 41% more than families without kids. USA Today Jan. 20, 2024

The average cost of utilities in the U.S. is $500 to $600 per month or $6,000 to $7,200 per year, including electricity, gas, water, sewer, phone, internet, and streaming or cable TV services. Utility bills depend on your location, home and household size, individual utility usage, and your home's efficiency. March 13, 2024 Home Guide

On average, Americans spend between $150 and $200 per month on gas. The amount spent on gas depends on a number of factors, including:

State: Gas prices vary by state.
Lifestyle: Factors such as driving habits can affect how much is spent on gas.
Vehicle type: The type of vehicle a person drives can impact how much they spend on gas. For example, drivers of full-size SUVs pay more on gas than drivers of subcompact or compact cars.

In 2023, the average cost of health insurance in the United States was $8,435 per year for single coverage and $23,968 per year for family coverage. This was a 7% increase from 2022.

The United States has one of the highest costs of healthcare in the world. In 2022, U.S. healthcare spending reached $4.5 trillion, which averages to $13,493 per person. By comparison, the average cost of healthcare per person in other wealthy countries is less than half as much.

For children attending public school from kindergarten to 12th grade, parents can expect to spend a total of roughly $162,899.86 on their child's education and related activities.

Unfortunately, it takes money to pay the bills. Living a modest lifestyle requires a monthly intake of cash - a lot of cash.

You might survive for a while on a small income but as you can see from any of the items above that a modest income makes life a strain when it comes to paying the bills.

Many Americans are already working two jobs. The runaway cost-of-living in America has made it almost impossible for average people to keep their heads above water. Anything that you buy costs a fortune. The cost-of-living increase needs to come to a halt so that Americans can catch up. Until this happens millions of Americans will continue to experience financial strain.

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

Oakwood-Salt Fork soccer advances to Sweet Sixteen after regional shutout

HOOPESTON - Oakwood-Salt Fork (OSF) claimed their second consecutive IHSA regional soccer title Wednesday with a commanding 6-0 victory over Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Westville (GRFW) in the final at Hoopeston Area High School. Led by a standout performance from Ethan Merritt, who tallied three goals and an assist, the Comets controlled the match from start to finish, adding yet another chapter to an impressive season under head coach Eric Fenton.

The win improved OSF’s record to 22-3, with a perfect 12-0 mark in the Vermilion Valley Conference, as they continue to build momentum heading into the Class 1A sectional semifinals. Their next challenge will be Fisher-Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley (FGCMS), a formidable opponent riding an eight-game win streak. OSF will look to avenge their October 8 loss to FGCMS in the upcoming showdown.

Comet striker Macen Phillips pushes the ball away from St. Joseph-Ogden's Tyler Hess during their early season match in August. Macen delivered two goals in OSF's title victory.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

From the opening whistle, OSF dominated possession and created multiple scoring opportunities, finishing the first half with a comfortable 3-0 lead. The Comets struck early when Macen Phillips connected on a pass from Merritt to open the scoring. Merritt then added two goals of his own before the break, converting assists from Saul Carrillo and Mason Swartz to put OSF in complete control.

In the second half, the Comets picked up where they left off. Phillips scored his second goal of the match, once again assisted by Carrillo, while Merritt completed his hat trick just minutes later, courtesy of another assist from Carrillo. Swartz rounded out the scoring, netting the final goal on a pass from Cooper McCrae, capping off a dominant offensive display.

The Comets outshot GRFW 32-8, with 17 of those shots on target, compared to just five from the Buffaloes. Goalkeeper Matt Darling of GRFW faced constant pressure throughout the match, making 11 saves to keep the score from getting even more out of hand. Meanwhile, OSF keeper Jakob Rupp had a quieter night but still managed five saves to preserve the shutout.

For GRFW, the loss marked the end of a season in which they finished 7-10 overall and 4th in the Vermilion Valley Conference with a 5-7 record. The Buffaloes were unable to find the offensive spark they needed, as their leading scorer, junior forward Simonas Ankstutis, was held scoreless. Ankstutis, who averages 2.5 goals per game and leads his team with 75 shots on goal this season, struggled to break through OSF’s organized defense. Senior midfielder Elijha Jones and freshman forward Landon Heck were similarly stifled, as GRFW managed just eight total shots, with few clear scoring opportunities.

The regional title represents a continuation of OSF’s upward trajectory under Fenton. Last season, the Comets finished 17-8-1, winning the conference with a 10-2 record before falling to Bloomington Central Catholic in the sectional semifinals. Now, with a deeper squad and more experience, OSF appears poised for a deeper postseason run.

Standing in their way is a rematch against FGCMS, who boast a 19-3-1 record and have not lost since September 25. FGCMS is known for its defensive discipline, having allowed only a handful of goals during their current winning streak. Their only recent loss came against Coal City in a 1-0 defeat decided by a late second-half goal.

Saturday’s match, set for 10 a.m. at Monticello High School, will offer OSF a chance to avenge their previous 2-0 loss to FGCMS and continue their quest for a sectional title. With Merritt and Phillips in top form, the Comets will look to test the Bunnies’ defense while relying on their own balanced approach to maintain control of the match.

For OSF, this postseason run represents more than just an opportunity for redemption. With their sights set on a potential state tournament appearance, the Comets are riding a wave of confidence and form as they enter the final stretch of the season.

St. Joseph-Ogden dominates again! Spartan soccer team wins first regional title in 12 years

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Zach Harper sets up a pass in St. Joseph-Ogden's home match against Central Catholic on October 1. Harper led the Spartans with another hat trick in their long awaited - and expected - regional title.

ST. ANNE - St. Joseph-Ogden captured its first regional soccer title in over a decade with a commanding 7-2 victory over Watseka on Wednesday, clinching the St. Anne Regional Championship. The Spartans, who hadn’t tasted postseason success since 2012, are in the midst of a remarkable season, improving their record to 22-2-1 and extending their current win streak to 15 games.

The Spartans displayed their balanced offensive attack once again, led by Zach Harper, who scored a hat trick and added an assist. Harper’s relentless playmaking has been a cornerstone of St. Joseph-Ogden’s dominance this season, and his performance against Watseka proved vital. Yadi Acosta contributed two goals to the Spartans' cause, while Alex Acosta and Tyler Hess each added a goal, with Hess also registering an assist. Logan Mills played the role of facilitator with two assists, and goalkeeper Jaxson Colvin made seven saves on nine shots to anchor the defense.

Despite Watseka's spirited effort in the first half, which saw them score two goals, the Spartans carried a 3-2 lead into halftime. St. Joseph-Ogden’s ability to control possession and create opportunities through its well-organized midfield and clinical finishing proved too much for Watseka to handle. The second half was all Spartans, as they rattled off four unanswered goals to seal the victory.

Tyler Hess attacks the Central Catholic goal looking for a solo shot or open teammate to send the ball. Hess, who is a quiet force behind SJO's dominant offense, scored one goal and notched an assist in his team's first regional title in 12 years.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Watseka, who struggled against St. Joseph-Ogden in their previous meeting earlier this month—an 8-0 shutout—fought valiantly to stay within striking distance in the first half. However, they were ultimately overwhelmed by the Spartans’ tactical adjustments and superior depth. Wednesday’s match marked St. Joseph-Ogden’s 15th consecutive win, a streak bolstered by 14 shutouts throughout the season.

As the final whistle blew, the Spartans celebrated their long-awaited regional title, a moment that seemed increasingly likely as they breezed through the Illini Prairie Conference without dropping a match. Now, with a regional championship under their belts, St. Joseph-Ogden turns its attention to the Monticello Class 1A sectional semifinals, where they will face a formidable opponent in Normal University.

The Spartans' upcoming match against Normal University will be a significant test. The Pioneers, with a 20-5-1 record, finished the regular season with an undefeated 7-0-1 mark in the highly competitive Central State Eight Conference. They boast wins over Sacred Heart Griffin, Quincy Notre Dame, and all five Big Twelve Conference schools on their schedule. Known for their defensive discipline and midfield control, Normal University will pose a unique challenge for St. Joseph-Ogden, whose high-powered offense has made quick work of most opponents this season.

Saturday’s clash at noon will not only test St. Joseph-Ogden’s ability to maintain their scoring prowess but also how they manage against a team with the caliber of Normal University’s defense. While the Spartans have largely been dominant, outscoring opponents by wide margins, Normal University’s balanced approach could force them to adapt their strategy. The Spartans' success may hinge on their ability to break down a defense that has held its own against some of the state’s top programs.

Steven Newman keeps the ball away from two Blue Ridge players during SJO's home match on September 16. Newman, a sophomore, and the Spartans made quick work of the Knights in the 9-0 shutout.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With the Spartans riding high on confidence and momentum, the stage is set for an intense matchup that could determine the trajectory of St. Joseph-Ogden’s playoff run. As they seek their first sectional title since their 2012 campaign, the Spartans will need to rely on the consistency and leadership of players like Harper, the Acosta brothers, and Hess, who have been key contributors throughout the season.

For a team that has consistently found the back of the net and controlled matches with superior tactics, St. Joseph-Ogden’s success against Normal University will likely depend on whether they can replicate the offensive precision that has been their hallmark. If they continue to perform at this level, the Spartans could very well extend their remarkable season even further.

St. Joseph-Ogden’s triumph over Watseka represents not only the end of a long postseason drought but also the beginning of a promising path deeper into the playoffs. With a talented roster and a winning mentality, the Spartans look poised to make a serious run at a state title.

Keywords: St. Joseph-Ogden soccer regional championship, SJO vs Watseka soccer, Illinois Class 1A sectional soccer, St. Joseph-Ogden high school soccer, Normal University vs SJO soccer playoff