SJO celebrates Class of 2020 scholarship winners

This year's Honors Night was celebrated in a different format. Due to the state restrictions on large gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced this year's award winners via video made available on YouTube.

"Even though we are not together in our gym and there were several scholarships that were not able to be given this year, the following is an amazing representation of how intelligent and talented our young people are," said SJO principal Gary Page in his introduction.

Watch the video below to learn about the 21 scholarships earned by the Class of 2020.

SJO Class of 2020 Scholarship
Award Winners

Jenna Schaefer
Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
Illinois State Scholarship
National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation

Tristan Fuqua
St. Joseph Masonic Foundation Scholarship

Hannah Rajlich
Papa Pridemore Memorial Scholarship
Illinois State Scholar

Taddy Pettit
Papa Pridemore Memorial Scholarship

Jenna Albrecht
C-U Optimist Club Scholarship
American Legion Award
Lexi Barbour Memorial Scholarship

Lindsey Aden
FFA Alumni Scholarships
Illinois State Scholar
Anderson's Scholarship
Farm Bureau Womens Committee Scholarship
Champaign County Farm Bureau Scholarship
National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation

Mallory Ames
FFA Alumni Scholarships
Illinois State Scholar
Bayer Fund Farmers Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship
Ag Future of America Scholarship
Vincent O’Greene Memorial Scholarship

Brodie Sullivan
FFA Alumni Scholarships

Katelyn Berry
Illinois State Scholar
Daughters of the American Revolution

Emily Bigger
Illinois State Scholar

Ginny Bytnar
Illinois State Scholar

Andrea Cunningham
Illinois State Scholar

Faith Dahman
Illinois State Scholar

Hannah Dukeman
Illinois State Scholar
Illini Prairie Conference Scholar Athlete

Erica Guelfi
Illinois State Scholar
John Phillips Sousa Award
Lutheran Community Foundation Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship

Ava Mills
Illinois State Scholar

Eric Poe
Illinois State Scholar

Kenly Taylor
Illinois State Scholar

Stephanie Trame
Illinois State Scholar

Isabelle Vliet
Illinois State Scholar

Zoey Witruk
Illinois State Scholar

Brayden Weaver
Sons of the American Revolution
Illini Prairie Conference Scholar Athlete

Payton Cain
American Legion Award

Danie Kelso
Lutheran Community Foundation Scholarship

Eliza Lewis
Lutheran Community Foundation Scholarship

Nathan Maier
Lutheran Community Foundation Scholarship

Cody Johnston
St. Joseph Youth Baseball Little League Scholarship

Brendan Cooperider
St. Joseph Youth Baseball Little League Scholarship

Kendall Ayers
National Choral Award

Joshua Sexton
National Band Director’s Award

Rylee Stahl
Tammy Walsh Memorial Scholarship

Anna Wentzloff
Tammy Walsh Memorial Scholarship
St. Joseph Masonic Foundation Scholarship

Zach Seeley
Army


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Sons and daughters of Navy pilots are eligible for scholarship

Are you a high school graduate and the natural, step, or adopted child or grandchild of a current or former Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer, or Aircrewman? Have you been accepted as an undergraduate at an accredited college?

If so, you may qualify for an annual scholarship through the Tailhook Educational Foundation to support the academic aspirations of the children and grandchildren of Naval Aviation veterans and active carrier aviators. Individuals, children and grandchildren of individuals who are serving or have served on board a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier in a Carrier Air Wing, Ship's company, or embarked on a Staff also qualify for scholarship funds that was established by the TOPGUN Fighter Foundation.

"We are always looking for ways to pay it forward and support our Tailhookers and their families who have given so much to our country," said E. Matthew 'Whiz' Buckley, Founder and Chairman of TOPGUN Fighter Foundation, in a released statement about the educational award. "What better way to show appreciation than helping fund the education of their children and grandchildren while enriching their knowledge of Naval Aviation."

Buckley was a F/A-18 Hornet Instructor and flew 44 combat missions over Iraq. He was awarded 2 Strike/Flight Air Medals by the President of the United States.

He added: "I am honored and humbled to wear the wings of gold and defend this great country and putting the ladder down for the next generation of Naval Aviators is the least I can do."

The scholarship is funded by a $60,000 in donations made to the Tailhook Educational Foundation. The permanent scholarship, set up by the TOPGUN Fighter Foundation, will use the $3,000 annual yield to support each year's grant payout. The annual scholarship was a natural fit to help countless children and grandchildren of Naval Aviation veterans and active carrier aviators.

In the past, the Tailhook Educational Foundation has awarded over 100 scholarships annually ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 per year with a number of the grants awarded to students pursuing an education in either Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts or Math. The goal of the funding is to help Naval Aviation legacy students in their pursuing an undergraduate degree.

The Tailhook Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in February 1992. The Foundation's mission is to educate the nation's public with regard to the history and present-day activities of the United States Navy carrier aviation and its importance to our country's national security.

To apply for a 2021 scholarship visit https://www.tailhook.net/tef-home.

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Spartan volleyball team to host scholarship fundraiser at October 5 home match

SJO head coach Abby McDonald shakes hands with an IHSA administrator before receiving her third-place medal at the IHSA Volleyball State Finals in 2019. The 13-year veteran coach and her volleyball program are raising funds for a new scholarship program to honor former educator and football coach Dick Duval. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team will host a fundraiser to create a scholarship fund in the name of former longtime head football coach Dick Duval at its October 5 home game against Monticello.

Duval, who built SJO into a respected Class 3A powerhouse football program, passed away on August 26. Not only was he a math teacher and the school's athletic director for many years, but was also a member of the SJO Hall of Fame and Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His career coaching record is an impressive 251 wins against 75 losses during his tenure with the Spartans.

Head coach Abby McDonald, who took over the head coach position at SJO in 2008, believes in the importance of her players giving back and leads the varsity, JV, and freshman teams in administering projects to benefit someone or an organization in the community.

"At least once while they are in high school, I like our girls to do some sort of community service project at one of our matches - something to give back to the community because the community does some much for them and for us," McDonald said.

Last year, because of the state's Covid mitigation, the team did not have a project to work on. The program's last effort was a fundraiser for a fellow player who had cancer.

"Coach Duval is such a huge part of who I am as a coach but also a huge supporter of all SJO athletics," McDonald said. Like Duval, she immediately made an impact after taking the reins, building the volleyball program into one that consistently makes deep postseason runs, including two IHSA final four appearances. "We wanted to do something to show support to his family and to continue his legacy. We thought a scholarship in his name, for hopefully several years to come, will be exactly the way we would want his legacy to continue."

For the main event, the Spartans will square off against Illini Prairie Conference foe Monticello. Duval, after retiring from the St. Joseph-Ogden school district, returned to teaching as a substitute teacher and taught mathematics at Monticello.

"There will be several opportunities to support the fundraiser," McDonald pointed out. There will be a pork chop dinner special, a silent auction, t-shirts for sale, and more in addition to the traditional 50/50 contest. "The girls are doing some different fundraiser opportunities. They are going to have pumpkins to buy that they have been working on."

She is hoping for a good turnout at the Tuesday evening match to help seed the scholarship fund so it will be available to SJO graduates entering college for decades to come.

"The more money we raise, the more years we can name a scholarship winner in his name."

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Unity alumna remembered; Savannah Day Memorial Race this Friday

Celebrate Savannah Day’s legacy with a 2.96-mile walk/run Friday in Sidney. All proceeds go to a girls’ athletics scholarship.


SIDNEY - The memory of Savannah Day will be honored this Friday evening as runners and walkers gather for the annual Savannah Day 2.96 Memorial Run/Walk. The race, which steps off at 7 p.m. on July 25, 2025, serves as both a tribute and a fundraiser, celebrating the life and passion of a young woman whose dedication to athletics and community continues to inspire.

Unity's Savannah Day runs at state cross country meet
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Savannah Day heads to the finish line at the 2016 IHSA Girls Cross Country State Finals, helping the Rockets to a second-place finish. Friday's race in Sidney will celebrate her legacy and help raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship.
Savannah Day, an 18-year-old college freshman studying kinesiology, tragically lost her life in a car-train collision on October 3, 2018. The accident occurred just south of St. Joseph as she returned home from cross-country practice at Danville Area Community College. Her death sent shockwaves through the community and the broader running world, particularly among those who knew her from her standout high school career.

Day was a key contributor to Unity High School’s cross-country and track programs, helping lead the Rockets to IHSA Class 1A cross-country state titles in both 2015 and 2017. Known for her bright spirit, kind heart, and boundless energy, Savannah’s impact extended well beyond the course. "It's a sad day for our school, our community and everyone who was fortunate to know Savannah and her smile," said former Unity Athletic Director Scott Hamilton told The News-Gazette following her passing.

The memorial event was created to honor her legacy and raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship. All proceeds from the race directly support the scholarship, which benefits local female athletes pursuing their academic and athletic goals — just as Savannah did.

Same-day registration will be available at the event site beginning at 5:30 p.m. There is no additional fee for registering late. While pre-registration officially closed on July 16, participants may still sign up by emailing their form to savannahday2.96@gmail.com and submitting the $25 fee via Venmo. Forms can also be downloaded and mailed to the race address with payment.

Support for the memorial run continues to grow, with this year’s event made possible by generous sponsorships from the Town of Sidney, InsureChampaign, Sidney Fire Department, Spring Green of St. Joseph, The Sidney Saloon, Center For Your Health in Philo, Don’s Auto Center in Homer, Castle Home Comfort Heating & Air of Champaign, The Artega Insurance Group - Country Financial, IGA in St. Joseph, Winstons Old Bank in Sidney, and Sidney Dairy Barn.

More stories ~
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  • When Covid comes back, here are sore throat hacks that work
  • Still running, Unity's Emily Decker continues running career at Ball State University
    • Savannah Day Memorial Run 2025 registration details,Unity High School cross-country alumna tribute, Girls athletic scholarship race in Sidney Illinois, Charity 5K walk honoring Savannah Day, East Central Illinois community memorial events
    Published on

    Six Urbana high school students to receive MLK scholarship award

    Ziniera Edwards

    Urbana senior Ziniera Edwards take a shot for the Tigers from the free throw line during the Turkey Tournament in St. Joseph last November. She and five other Urbana seniors were named King Scholars this week.

    (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
    Urbana students Kiana Amindavar, Jamaica Dyer, Ziniera Edwards, Rema Salem, Jonathan Sanchez-Huanca and alternate Kevin Alvarado were named named recipients of the 37th Annual MLK Jr. "Living the Dream" Scholarships.

    The six students and along with seniors from the Champaign and Rantoul Township, also known as King Scholars, will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to use at the college of their choice.

    Scholarship winners are chosen based on their scholarship application, financial need, and a personal essay. Recipients can renew the award through four academic years as they pursue their undergraduate degrees.

    The winners will be honored at The 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration, a free event open to the general public, on January 16 starting at 5pm at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter the Krannert Center.

    The scholarship fund is underwritten through tax-deductible donations from individuals, churches, synagogues, and businesses who want to transform young lives through education and public service.

    Jamaica Dyer was also this year's Willie Summerville Memorial Award for Excellence in the Arts.

    Published on

    Journalism scholarships available for students, application due Feb. 22

    by Adriana Gallardo, Ash Ngu and Mollie Simon
    ProPublica

     

    We are proud to announce our sixth annual scholarship program. This year we are teaming up with The Pudding, a visual essays online publication.

    ProPublica, with additional support from The Pudding, will be sponsoring need-based scholarships for 25 students to attend an eligible journalism conference in 2021 and/or to contribute toward journalism related expenses such as subscriptions to news publications, software, FOIA fees, or equipment (think cameras, recorders, etc.).

    Anyone who is a permanent U.S. resident is eligible to apply. We especially encourage students from an underrepresented group in journalism — including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities — to apply.

    The $750 scholarships will go to students who would otherwise be unable to attend conferences or purchase supplies to support their education and ongoing reporting.

    The following conferences offer great opportunities for networking and professional development, especially for those just starting out in journalism. Scholarship recipients will also have the opportunity to meet ProPublica and The Pudding staff throughout the year at conferences (virtual or in person). Check out last year’s scholarship recipients.

    You can apply for the scholarship here. The deadline is Feb. 22. Students have the option to select a conference as part of their application. We understand many have yet to announce dates and that formats may change, but we would still like to know which you are interested in attending.

    • AAJA, Asian American Journalists Association. Location and dates TDB.
    • AHCJ, Association of Health Care Journalists. Austin, Texas, June 24-27.
    • IRE, Investigative Reporters and Editors. Indianapolis, June 17-20.
    • JAWS, Journalism and Women Symposium. New Mexico, Sept. 24-26.
    • NABJ National Association of Black Journalists. Houston, Aug. 18-22.
    • NAHJ National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Virtual, July (exact date TBD).
    • NAJA, Native American Journalists Association. Phoenix, Sept. 15-19.
    • NICAR, The National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting. Virtual, March 3-5.
    • NLGJA, Association of LGBTQ Journalists. Location and dates TBD.
    • NPPA, National Press Photographers Association (Northern Short Course). Location and dates TBD.
    • ONA, Online News Association. Location and dates TBD.
    • SND, Society for News Design. Location and dates TBD.
    • SRCCON, organized by OpenNews. Location and dates TBD.

    Every year, we share what ProPublica is doing to increase the diversity of our newsroom and of journalism as a whole. These scholarships are a small but important step to help student journalists from underrepresented communities take advantage of everything these conferences offer.

    High school, college and graduate students are welcome to apply. You must be a student at the time of application, but it’s OK if you’re graduating this spring.

    Questions about the application process? Want to contribute to our scholarship fund to send more students to these conferences? Get in touch at adriana.gallardo@propublica.org.

    This story was originally published by ProPublica on January 20, 2021. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.



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    This summer is the time for high school juniors to start looking for college scholarships and grants

    Student studying at desk
    Photo: Kojo Kwarteng/Unsplash
    StatePoint Media - More than half of American families used scholarships to pay for college last year. From merit-based to artistic-focused, there are a variety of awards available.

    High school senior Grace Vaughn of Trinity, Florida, knows how to successfully secure a college scholarship. After winning the $10,000 dress grand prize in Duck brand’s Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest in 2022, Vaughn is sharing helpful tips to increase students’ odds of earning funds for college:

    Research, research, research

    Search databases and websites to discover award options that may be new to you. Scholarships.com, FastWeb and Bold.org are resources to help narrow down opportunities that match your interests and unique talents. Vaughn also encourages students to leverage social media, where she discovered the Stuck at Prom contest, which challenges teens to create Duck Tape prom creations for a chance to win cash scholarships.

    In addition to researching national opportunities, check in with your school counselor and teachers to learn about any local or regional scholarships that are offered through the school or other nearby organizations.

    Apply early and often

    Federal Student Aid recommends searching for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior year, but some awards are open to teens as young as 14. Vaughn says entering Stuck at Prom early on in high school gave her an edge on the competition. When she wasn’t selected as a finalist her sophomore year, Vaughn submitted for the contest again as a junior and went on to win the $10,000 dress grand prize.

    "When I began working on my entry in 2022, I already knew how to construct the dress from Duck Tape, so I went into the process with confidence," Vaughn explains.

    If you have the time and energy, she suggests applying for multiple awards to increase your chances of securing funds for school.

    Leverage your creative side

    Not all programs are focused on academics and athletics, so flex your creative side to win scholarships that will reward artistic abilities in drawing, painting, music and more. Beginning at an early age, Vaughn excelled at visual arts and design, which is how she knew Stuck at Prom was a perfect fit for her.

    "Creative awards programs are a good outlet for students to show off their talents outside of typical schoolwork," Vaughn says. "Even if you aren’t crafty, scholarship applications could be a chance for you to try something new."

    Make scholarships a priority

    Vaughn spent 143 hours crafting her prom dress made from Duck Tape to enter Stuck at Prom.

    While not all scholarship program submissions will take 143 hours or require making Duck Tape attire, Vaughn says it’s important to block off areas on your calendar so you can balance busy school schedules and extracurricular activities along with applications—ensuring there’s enough time to work on a polished entry, whether it’s creating a piece of art or writing an essay.

    While applying for scholarships is time consuming, it can make a huge impact when it comes to paying for college.

    Vaughn notes, "It takes commitment and drive to apply for scholarships, but the results are worth it."

    Published on

    College scholarships available for future Illinois teachers

    Photo: Janko Ferlic/Pexels


    Do you like working with young children or have an interest in pursuing a degree in the education field?

    The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) is offering college scholarships to students and daycare professionals that plan to teach or become administrators in the early childhood care and education field in Illinois once they have earned their degree. The scholarship is available for students studying at any one of 63 colleges and universities in the state.

    If you currently work or have worked in the early childhood education field and want additional credentials like a 2- or 4-year degree, you may be eligible for the scholarship. The award is designed to help cover college costs for an academic year - including a summer session - after financial aid from other sources has been received by the applicant.

    "The program was created to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators by encouraging the pursuit of credentials and advancement of already-held degrees in early childhood education, with an aim toward building a strong, well-prepared workforce," according to scholarship announcement on the isac.org.

    The application deadline for the upcoming academic year is March 1. For more information and to apply, follow this link: ECACE Scholarship Program.

    Published on

    WIU campus loses ROTC program in Army restructuring

    ROTC students on field training exercise
    Military_Material/PIXABAY
    The Army plans to reduce its ROTC scholarship budget and consolidate smaller programs. Here is how it affects cadets on campuses across Illinois.


    SNS - The U.S. Army has announced a significant overhaul of its Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, an initiative known as “ROTC Reset,” aimed at modernizing officer production while addressing long-term budget pressures and demographic shifts.

    The restructuring will consolidate ROTC host schools, reduce command brigades from eight to six, and reclassify or close underperforming programs. At the heart of the restructuring lies a potential $100 million cut to the ROTC scholarship program over the next four years.

    Though still under review, internal projections suggest this reduction could impact roughly 2,000 scholarships, a move that would hit college-bound cadets hard. While the number of cadets trained annually—approximately 18,000—will remain unchanged, the Army is shifting toward a more centralized and cost-efficient model designed to eliminate redundancies and better align resources with commissioning needs.

    Army ROTC college scholarships, which cover full tuition and provide monthly stipends, have historically served as one of the Army’s most powerful tools to attract and commission young officers. With around 3,000 scholarships awarded annually, the program has been one of the largest merit-based financial aid sources in the country. Army officials maintain that no final decisions have been made, but critics warn that decreased scholarship support could hinder recruitment and long-term readiness.

    The effects of the reset are will be felt in Illinois, where Western Illinois University was notified its ROTC program close next May. The school, which currently enrolls 44 cadets, is one of ten nationwide selected for full deactivation. Additionally, Northern Illinois University and Loyola University will see their ROTC programs downgraded to extension units, meaning training will continue on campus, but administrative oversight will shift to another host institution.

    The restructuring also affects cadets at Bradley University in Peoria, as well as the University of Chicago and Chicago State University. They will no longer host cadre members on campus, but cadets will have options to continue in an Army ROTC program by receiving training and education at a nearby approved campus.

    ROTC programs at Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State, and the University of Illinois are not affected in the cost-cutting measures.

    Cadet Command officials have stated that current cadets at all affected institutions will be able to complete their commissioning requirements, and no immediate cuts to training quality or capacity are anticipated. However, the realignment reflects the Army’s intent to adapt to falling college enrollments in the Midwest and Northeast, and to prioritize investment in regions with stronger cadet output and enrollment trends.

    Below is a list of the ROTC units that will be deactivated around the country and other planned restructuring efforts by the Army.

    These institutions will no longer have an affiliation with Army ROTC.

    • California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (Calif.)
    • University of Northern Iowa (Iowa)
    • Western Illinois University (Ill.)
    • Truman State University (Mo.)
    • Elizabeth City State University (N.C.)
    • Saint Augustine's University (N.C.)
    • Clarkson University (N.Y.)
    • John Carroll University (Ohio)
    • University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (Wis.)
    • West Virginia State University (W.Va.)

    List of Host Units Reclassifying to Extension Units

    These institutions will retain cadre members on their campus and Cadets will continue receiving training and education there, but the program will merge administrative and logistical support with a retained host unit.

    • Auburn University at Montgomery (Ala.)
    • Tuskegee University (Ala.)
    • University of South Alabama (Ala.)
    • University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Ark.)
    • California State University - San Bernardino (Calif.)
    • Howard University (District of Columbia)
    • Augusta University (Ga.)
    • University of Idaho (Idaho)
    • Loyola University - Chicago (Ill.)
    • Northern Illinois University (Ill.)
    • Tulane University (La.)
    • Northeastern University (Mass.)
    • Loyola University - Maryland (Md.)
    • Lincoln University (Mo.)
    • Alcorn State University (Miss.)
    • Duke University (N.C.)
    • Wake Forest University (N.C.)
    • University of North Dakota (N.D.)
    • Seton Hall University (N.J.)
    • St. John's University (N.Y.)
    • University of Akron (Ohio)
    • University of Toledo (Ohio)
    • Xavier University (Ohio)
    • Commonwealth University - Lock Haven (Pa.)
    • Dickinson College (Pa.)
    • Drexel University (Pa.)
    • Slippery Rock University (Pa.)
    • Providence College (R.I.)
    • Furman University (S.C.)
    • Wofford College (S.C.)
    • Tennessee Technological University (Tenn.)
    • University of Memphis (Tenn.)
    • Prairie View A&M University (Texas)
    • St. Mary’s University (Texas)
    • Stephen F Austin State University (Texas)
    • Hampton University (Va.)
    • Norfolk State University (Va.)
    • Eastern Washington University (Wash.)
    • University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (Wis.)
    • Marshall University (W.Va.)

    Hosts Reclassifying to Crosstown relationships

    These institutions will no longer host cadre members on their campuses, but Cadets will have options to continue an Army ROTC program while receiving training and education at a nearby campus.

    • Southern University and A&M College (La.)
    • Eastern Michigan University (Mich.)
    • Niagara University (N.Y.)
    • Central State University (Ohio)
    • University of Richmond (Va.)
    • Carson-Newman University (Tenn.)

    Extension Units being inactivated

    These institutions will no longer have an affiliation with Army ROTC.

    • University of California at Merced (Calif.)
    • Buena Vista University (Iowa)
    • University of Dubuque (Iowa)
    • Idaho State University (Idaho)
    • University of Nebraska - Kearney (Neb.)
    • Millersville University (Pa.)
    • Pennsylvania Western University - Clarion (Pa.)
    • Texas A&M International University (Texas)
    • St. Norbert College (Wis.)

    Extension Units Reclassifying to Crosstown relationships

    These institutions will no longer host cadre members on their campuses, but Cadets will have options to continue in an Army ROTC program while receiving training and education at a nearby campus.

    • California State University - Los Angeles (Calif.)
    • University of California – San Diego (Calif.)
    • University of Northern Colorado (Colo.)
    • University of Miami (Fla.)
    • Georgia Southern (Armstrong Campus) (Ga.)
    • Northwest Nazarene University (Idaho)
    • Bradley University (Ill.)
    • University of Chicago (Ill.)
    • Chicago State University (Ill.)
    • Indiana University Northwest (Ind.)
    • Hood College (Md.)
    • Winona State University (Minn.)
    • Lindenwood University (Mo.)
    • Davidson College (N.C.)
    • Interamerican University (Metro San Juan) (Puerto Rico)
    • Western Oregon University (Ore.)
    • Tennessee State University (Tenn.)
    • Texas A&M University San Antonio (Texas)
    • Longwood University (Va.)

    LIST SOURCE: US Army
    Published on

    Federal private school tax incentive draws mixed reviews

    School choice proponents are calling the Educational Choice for Children Act a win for all students, while opponents said the program will only benefit wealthy families.

    Photo: Pixabay

    An estimated 138 million people nationwide could be eligible to take advantage of the Educational Choice for Children Act tax credit.

    by Judith Ruiz-Branch
    Illinois News Connection

    CHICAGO - Mixed responses continue to swirl about the new federal law offering tax incentives to people who donate to organizations providing scholarships to private K-12 schools.

    School choice proponents are calling the Educational Choice for Children Act a win for all students, while opponents said the program will only benefit wealthy families. Starting in 2027, people who donate up to $1,700 to organizations offering K-12 scholarships will be 100% reimbursed through federal tax credits.

    Brian Jodice, national press secretary for the American Federation for Children, emphasizes it is not a voucher program but rather a donor-driven initiative to provide families with more schooling options.

    "It doesn't impact state budgets. It doesn't impact the federal budget," Jodice pointed out. "It allows people to donate to these scholarship granting organizations and get a tax credit, so (it) incentivizes the donors to go do that, which we think is a good thing. But then it also incentivizes families to be able to go apply for it and let their students benefit from it."

    The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy said more than 138 million people nationwide could be eligible for the tax credit. It predicted about 43% will participate which would cost the federal government more than $100 billion per year. States must opt in to participate.

    Illinois recently failed to extend its tax credit scholarship program for low-income families. Opponents argued the scholarships would benefit those who are already in private schools rather than providing an opportunity for lower-income families to switch from public to private school. In Chicago, families who make up to about $225,000 could apply to receive scholarships.

    Maura McInerney, legal director at the Education Law Center, said the program is a tax shelter, benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor and public schools.

    "We've seen this occur in other states and there's no accountability for these dollars and how they're spent," McInerney emphasized. "The only criterion for receiving a voucher is actually a high family income limit. So essentially this money will potentially benefit students who are already in private schools."

    She added the program opens the door to discrimination since there is no oversight on what qualifications scholarship-granting organizations can impose on applicants. The program also does not have a cap, which McInerney said makes it especially concerning.

    Federal law said the governor or a designated agency will decide if a state participates in the program. So far, Gov. JB Pritzker has called the new federal budget a setback for students across the nation which will increase barriers to success.

    Other interesting articles:
    Published on

    A college education is gift we can give to children of our American heroes

    Audrey poses with a photo of her father
    Ashley Audo, a student at Eastern Illinois University, poses with a photo of her father U.S. Army Major David Audo, who died while serving in Iraq in 2009. Audo is a recepient of a scholarship from the Children of Fallen Patriots.
    Photo provided
    NAPSI - While the holiday season is generally a time of joy and celebration, military families can often experience a very different range of emotions. Active service members and veterans returning home for the holidays might struggle to participate in family gatherings or even find the season particularly distressing. And, for the families of those service members who do not return, the holidays can be an agonizing reminder of a loved one’s absence. 

    In the spirit of the season, honoring the sacrifice of all men and women who proudly served in our armed forces through charitable giving can make a big difference, especially for students like Ashley Audo.

    "It means that he was willing to put his life on the line for his country, as well as his family," Ashley Audo, a student at Eastern Illinois University, said in her student spotlight on the Children of Fallen Patriots website. "My Dad loved what he did, and I am proud that he was able to find happiness in life."

    Audo added: "Receiving this scholarship from Children of Fallen Patriots has impacted my life because, without it, I would not be able to reach my goals and achieve my dreams of being a nurse.".

    Children of Fallen Patriots, a foundation that honors the sacrifices of fallen military heroes by helping ensure the success of their children through college education, has outlined several ways that showcase how charitable giving ensures strong futures. 

    Support Veteran-Serving Organizations

    Tens of thousands of non-profits exist in the United States dedicated to serving veterans and their families. With so many different veteran-serving organizations in the States, it’s crucial to ensure donations are doing the most good for heroes in need. 

    A good way to evaluate an organization is to use Charity Navigator, a renowned nonprofit evaluation site. The site rates charities on the cost-effectiveness and overall health of their programs on a four-star scale, evaluating their measures of stability, efficiency, and sustainability. 

    Care for Military Families in Need

    Service members selflessly put their own lives on the line to ensure better lives for all Americans, but their families sacrifice much as well. While many organizations offer support directly to veterans, the family back home can get lost in the shuffle. 

    Children of Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. Studies show that almost 25,000 children have lost a parent in the line of duty over the last 35 years. A college education is a significant financial burden, and the majority of surviving military spouses make less than $50,000 annually. 

    Since 2002, Children of Fallen Patriots has provided over $61 million in support to over 2,700 children, including over 1,300 graduates. Additionally, the Gold Star family-focused nonprofit earned a perfect rating from Charity Navigator—an accomplishment less than 1% of the 200,000 rated charities have earned. 

    "The best way to honor the sacrifice of our service members is to ensure better futures for their children," said David Kim, co-founder and CEO of Children of Fallen Patriots. "A college education is the single most important gift we can give to the children of our fallen heroes, especially during the holiday season—a particularly difficult and stressful time for Gold Star families."

    Generosity Goes Beyond The Wallet

    Making a donation is one of the easiest ways to support veteran-serving organizations, but plenty of options exist. 

    More and more people give their time by coordinating fundraising events, such as bake sales and 5k runs. They also spread the word on social media so the country’s veteran community is supported and speak up about the issues that adversely affect them. 

    For more information on how you can support the foundation, visit www.fallenpatriots.org. 

    Update: This article has been updated to reflect that Maj. Audo lost his life in a non-combat related incident as reported by Military Times. Press release at the time of his demise indicate that Audo, 35, of St. Joseph, died on October 27, in Baghdad, from injuries sustained while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment of the 22nd Military Police Battalion, 6th Military Police Group.
    Published on

    Five Illinois professors named University Scholars

    CHAMPAIGN - Five University of Illinois professors at the Urbana-Champaign campus have been named University Scholars in recognition of their excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.

    The recipients include Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, who is actively involved in the Cancer Center at Illinois. A professor in the study of food and nutrition, she served as a health innovation professor at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and is an active member of the Center for Genomic Diagnostics at Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology.

    Renowned history professor Robert Morrissey has gained widespread recognition nationally and internationally, positioning him as a prominent figure among eminent scholars in the fiercely competitive realm of early American history. In 2020, he played a pivotal role in the initiation of a groundbreaking collaborative initiative focused on art history and practice within Illinois-descended tribal communities.

    Award-winning chemistry professor Joaquín Rodríguez-López, an outstanding research advisor mentoring 30 graduate students and 10 postdocs, created “The Electrochemistry Bootcamp,” which combines laboratory and classroom instruction on the basics of electrochemistry for a three-day immersive experience for young scientists from all over the world. He has been recognized five times as an outstanding teacher by his students and has also received the 2023 School of Chemical Sciences Teaching Award.

    Jacob Sherkow has authored or co-authored more than 60 articles and essays, two books on COVID-19 innovation policy, four book chapters and many op-eds. The main body of his work focuses on intellectual property and medical therapies, agency regulation and the legal and ethical issues attendant to advanced biotechnologies. A law professor, he holds faculty appointments at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the European Union Center. He has also advised major scientific organizations on bioethical issues, including the Adaptive Immune Receptor Repertoire Community and the New York Genome Center.

    Hanghang Tong, has published more than 200 refereed papers and four books. A professor of computer science, he conducts highly influential research focused on large-scale data mining and machine learning, especially for graph and multimedia data. His work has theoretic and applicable impact, solving real-world problems from high-impact application domains where graph mining often plays a fundamental role, such as social networks, bioinformatics, security and e-commerce.

    “When you consider the diversity of scholarship across all three of our universities and the standards of academic excellence that we nurture and grow through our recruitment of esteemed educators and researchers, all of our University Scholar recipients should be deservedly proud of the honor,” Nicholas Jones, the University of Illinois System’s executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs, said in today's statement.

    The scholars program recognizes faculty excellence and provides $15,000 to each scholar for three years to enhance their academic careers. The money may be used for travel, equipment, research assistants, books, or other purposes.The scholars program recognizes faculty excellence and provides $15,000 to each scholar for three years to enhance their academic careers. The money may be used for travel, equipment, research assistants, books, or other purposes.

    “The University Scholars program celebrates the remarkable achievements of the named individuals,” Jones added. “Our faculty represent the strong foundation of the world-class academic experience that contributes to the betterment of society and draws students and researchers to the U. of I. System universities from across the globe. The University Scholars are exemplars of that faculty excellence.

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    Spartan volleyball team ace Sages at home match

    Kennedi Burnett, Addie Roesch, and Shayne Immke combined effort produced 10 service aces to help the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball beat visiting Illini Prairie rival Monticello in straight sets 2-0 on Tuesday evening.

    Ashley Eldridge
    Senior Ashley Eldridge pounds the ball for an SJO point during set one against Monticello. The Spartans took the first set easily, 25-7. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
    The Spartans jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the first set before Monticello used a timeout to regroup. Five points later, with the Sages looking at a ten-point deficit at 13-3, Monticello head coach Kim Allison called for another break.

    Ranked 27th in Class 2A and 102 in the state by MaxPreps, SJO's defensive effort allowed just four more points in the 25-7 first set finish.

    However, the start of the second set was not as pretty as the first set for the St. Joseph-0gden team coming off a 2-0 loss to Tri-Valley on Monday. Down 4-0 and plagued by inconsistent play, McDonald called timeout to allow her team to regroup.

    When the set resumed, the Spartans carefully worked their way back into the game despite a streak of tenacious play from the Sages. The two teams would tie eight times, the last at 24-all. Two exchanges later, SJO prevailed 26-24 to win the match.

    "It's been a bit of a rollercoaster. Some nights we're on. Some nights we've been off finding that leadership role, that determination to be able to finish and play consistent," said head coach Abby McDonald. "We hope that we are learning from these opportunities we've been given."

    Roesch led the Spartan offensive effort with seven kills and two aces. Burnett added another four kills to the mix and led the team serving effort with five aces. Immke, with three aces, notched three kills and led the defense with 11 digs.

    "I thought when the pressure was on they kept their composure," McDonald said. "That's something they have done well throughout the season. They don't get rattled. It was good for them to be able to finish in a tight set like that."

    Despite a tough 25-14, 25-15, non-conference loss to the Vikings of Tri-Valley a little more than 24 hours earlier, McDonald was happy with how her team performed.

    "We had a rough night last night," she added. "To be able to bounce back without practice and without time to really discuss some of the things we need to fix, I thought they did a nice job of finishing."

    Becca Steinbach had 15 assists and was credited with three digs. Hannah Fox also delivered nine digs in the win.

    "I am proud of the kids. There were a lot of distractions tonight and a lot of different emotions in this building," Abby McDonald said, referring to the Dick Duval scholarship fundraiser the team was also heavily involved in. An early estimate of $14,000 had been raised for the memorial scholarship to honor the former SJO educator and football coach. "I thought they handled themselves well, considering everything that was going on."

    The SJO volleyball team plays again this week on Thursday against Salt Fork.

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    Craft vendors wanted for upcoming Holiday Maker Market

    Photo: G.C./Pixabay
    URBANA – The CU Community Fab Lab will host its 4th annual Holiday Maker Market from 2-6 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

    The Fab Lab is now accepting applications from craftmakers and artists for booths at this year’s market. Whether you are a veteran artist or just starting out, the Holiday Maker Market is an opportunity for local craft makers to sell one-of-a-kind gifts, customizable ornaments, and other handmade goods.

    The market prides itself on offering a wide variety of art styles, crafting mediums, and unique gifts at different price points, making a visit to the holiday event fun and festive for all. The products offered must be crafted, made, or designed by the artisans, who will be selected through the application process.

    Applications for vendor booths are due by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 11. All applications will be reviewed, and vendors will be selected by Nov. 1. You can apply online here.

    Proceeds from booth fees and Fab Lab sales benefit the Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. All proceeds generated from Fab Lab goods directly support local youth and families by removing financial barriers to attend the lab’s summer camp programs. Last year, the Fab Lab provided $2,200 in scholarship funds to kids in the community.

    For more information, contact the Community Fab Lab at communityfablab@gmail.com or call (217) 265-5342.

    Published on

    Invest in Kids Act expires at the end of the year, lawmakers can change that

    Dylan Sharkey

    by Dylan Sharkey, Assistant Editor
    Illinois Policy
    As lawmakers return to Springfield, the clock is ticking to expand the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program which helps more than 9,000 low-income students find the school that best fits their needs.

    Bose Clodfelter and her family rely on the program as the only way to afford a private school where her children have found a better cultural and academic environment.

    "It’s very important that politicians allow this tax credit to continue so my family can have the opportunity to be a part of a school system where our children and my family as a unit thrives," Clodfelter said.

    The Invest in Kids Act is set to expire at the end of 2023. Families such as the Clodfelters who have benefited from the scholarships are asking lawmakers to make the program permanent to give them and their kids a choice about their schooling.

    "I think that it’s very important for people to have the ability to donate to the tax credit scholarship program because they care about the educational needs of the community and that people have the choice and a right to get the education that they want for their children," she said.

    Tax credit scholarships are funded by donations, with a $75 million cap. Donors then receive an income tax credit equal to 75% of their donation.

    Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently changed his stance and now supports the program.

    State lawmakers are in their lame duck session and have a chance to improve the program by getting rid of the 2023 sunset provision and making the program permanent. While that may be unlikely with gun control and abortion and other issues clouding the short agenda, it would be a great way for parting lawmakers to strengthen their legacy from the 102nd Illinois General Assembly.

    If they do not act, state lawmakers of the 103rd General Assembly will have a new chance starting Jan. 11.


    Dylan Sharkey is an Assistant Editor at Illinois Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research organization that promotes responsible government and free market principles. This story was originally published on January 6, 2023.

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    Commentary |
    Community college, think about it

    Community college is not an exciting exotic choice but can be the better choice in the long run.


    by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


    Parents and high school seniors should seriously talk about community college or even a trade school. Community college is not an exciting exotic choice but can be the better choice in the long run.

    The national average in-state tuition for community college is $4,847 per year. Costs vary a bit depending on classes and textbooks. Some states are lower, some are higher.

    The national average in-state public university tuition is $11,610 which does not include room, board and supplies. The average cost including room and board is $25,055 per year. If you choose to go out of state the average cost jumps to $36,797 per year. The national average cost of in-state private colleges including room and board is $53,949! If you have to go to a private college, spending your first two years at a community college makes even more sense – cents!

    The average American doesn’t even start trying to save money until the age of 31.

    Typically, the first two years of college are about meeting the institution’s general requirements. These are the classes you may not be that interested in but are required by the institution. Why pay big money to take classes you are not interested in taking? You can do this at the community college level for a lot less money.

    After two years of community college, you can then go to almost any university you can afford. If you have a full scholarship ride to a four-year school then that’s different. Today, many schools offer a lot of partial scholarships to lure students. Many will dangle a scholarship of a few hundred to even several thousand. The idea is to entice you to their school because you still will have to pay them thousands of dollars each year. So, it’s still a big win for the university.

    A college President at a private college said they offered many athletes half of the tuition cost to come to their school but they still had to pay the other half. Financially, the school still came out ahead with that kind of deal.

    If you go to community college and it costs you $5,000 a year then you could put the other $5,000 in a Roth IRA. If you have $10,000 in a Roth IRA by the time you are 21 then that $10,000 will be worth about $728,00 at age 66. This is assuming a ten percent average interest rate over those 45 years. Even at eight percent over 45 years, your total cash at age 66 could be about $309,000. This is just for cramming $10,000 into a Roth IRA by age 21 and then not touching it for 45 years.

    The average American doesn’t even start trying to save money until the age of 31. Starting late means the same $10,000 at age 66 will be worth about $147,000 at an eight percent average rate.

    Thus, if you can go to community college from 18-20 or 21, work some and invest your savings at a young age, then you won’t have to work or worry quite as much at age 66 or 67.

    Think about it. You can go to the famed state university or even private school your junior and senior years and still have a degree from that school. Plus, you’ll be a little older, smarter, more mature and even have a chunk of your financial future already secured.

    Think about it.

    About the author ~

    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.


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    St. Joseph-Ogden secures hard-fought victory over Pontiac at IPC meet

    CHILLICOTHE - The St. Joseph-Ogden wrestling team had an impressive run during the first day of the two-day Illini Prairie Conference wrestling meet on Jan. 17 at Illinois Valley Central High School, defeating the Pontiac Indians 48-35 in a closely contested dual.

    The Spartans, who went 3-0 on day one, also secured commanding wins against Prairie Central (54-12) and St. Thomas More (66-12).

    The meet began at 106 pounds, with Ben Wells earning a forfeit victory for the Spartans. At 113 pounds, Jackson Walsh notched the first of several key first-period pins for St. Joseph-Ogden, defeating Pontiac’s Sophia Mussari in 1:49. Cam Wagner, a standout sophomore heavyweight, capped the match with a first-period pin over Hunter McCullough in 1:35 to seal the victory. Wagner, who is enjoying a stellar debut season, is also a top-rated football player in Illinois with Division I scholarship offers from Nebraska, Illinois, Louisville, Miami of Ohio, and Iowa.

    Other Spartans who delivered standout performances included Aiden Hundley (138 pounds), who pinned Kooper Wiles in 5:35, and Landen Butts (144 pounds), who recorded a fall over Cale Christenson in 5:60. Jonathan Moore (157 pounds) also added a pin, defeating Hunter Christenson in 3:02.

    Pontiac kept the meet competitive with wins in several weight classes, including Noah Davis’ technical fall at 126 pounds and pins by Brayden Quas (150 pounds), Lucas Maier (165 pounds), Carlito Lattin (175 pounds), and Jackson Crawford (190 pounds). Despite their efforts, the Indians fell short as the Spartans’ depth and ability to secure bonus points proved decisive.

    Box Score
    106 - WELLS, BEN (SJO) over Forfeit, (Pontiac), FORFEIT; 113 - WALSH, JACKSON (SJO) over Mussari, Sophia (Pontiac), Fall 1:49; 120 - GETTY, CAMDEN (SJO) over Forfeit, (Pontiac), FORFEIT; 126 - Davis, Noah (Pontiac) over BIRT, ELI (SJO), Tech Fall 18-2; 132 - Hoegger, Alex (Pontiac) over Forfeit, (SJO), FORFEIT; 138 - HUNDLEY, AIDEN (SJO) over Wiles, Kooper (Pontiac), Fall 5:35; 144 - BUTTS, LANDEN (SJO) over Christenson, Cale (Pontiac), Fall 5:60; 150 - Quas, Brayden (Pontiac) over WARE, THOMAS (SJO), Fall 4:13; 157 - MOORE, JONATHON (SJO) over Christenson, Hunter (Pontiac), Fall 3:02; 165 - Maier, Lucas (Pontiac) over VAUGHN, ALEX (SJO), Fall 3:39; 175 - Lattin, Carlito (Pontiac) over SWISHER, DEVAN (SJO), Fall 8:28; 190 - Crawford, Jackson (Pontiac) over Carter, Liam (SJO), Fall 4:49; 215 - PHILLIPS, NATHAN (SJO) over Forfeit, (Pontiac), FORFEIT; 285 - WAGNER, CAM (SJO) over McCullough, Hunter (Pontiac), Fall 1:35.


    St. Joe-Ogden Athletics
    Published on

    2014 SJO graduate Logan DeWeese promoted while working on MBA

    Logan DeWeese, a 2014 graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School, was recently promoted to Inventory Specialist for College of Engineering at the University of Illinois.

    His new duties includes completing property accounting and business-related tasks for the college, inventory processing for required reporting, maintaining updates as well as revising inventory and equipment records.

    Concurrently, DeWeese is also work on his MBA through an executive program through SIU-E. His area of concentration is business analytics and he will finish the program this August.

    "I felt this masters degree would give me a wide range of business career opportunities in the business environment," he said. "Also data analytics are a growing industry that I have a strong interest in."

    His program has a 15 credit hour limit per semester and is designed to accommodate working professionals. There is no mandatory meeting times.

    Due to the U of I campus closing down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Deweese said he was only on campus with his new job for about two months before the shutdown.

    "I have been working home for about two months now," he explained. "Certainly one challenge is getting to know all the staff, and the other would be remembering where all the buildings are."

    After leaving SJO when he graduated, DeWeese attended Parkland College for two years. Earning an Associates degree in General Studies, he transferred to Eastern Illinois University to continues his studies picking up a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems.

    For student who want to go to college but may not have the resources to for a four-year institution, he says they should consider starting with at two-year program.

    "Attending a community college like Parkland or others community colleges in the area, allows you to save money and isn't costly to change your major as it would be at a four year university or private school," he explained. "I highly advise that high school graduates who don't have a scholarship, financial aid assistance, or grants not go straight into a four-year university depending on your financial circumstances."

    He said his involvement in high school sports has paid dividends.

    "Playing football in high school really installed in me how to operate and function in a team mentality which can be very crucial in a workplace environment. Making sacrifices and adjustments are all part of the process," DeWeese said. It has helped him "to make sound decisions in any situation."

    Prior to his acceptance into the MBA program and taking a position at the University, DeWeese was an Inventory Controller and Delivery Coordinator at Menards in Champaign nearly six years.

    Published on

    State Farm Classic basketball tournament is back

    After Illinois' pandemic mitigation guidelines and restrictions were put in place by the state and the IHSA, the State Farm Holiday Classic was forced to take an involuntary break. Today, organizers for the annual holiday tournament announced its plans to host the 42nd installment later this year on December 27, 28, 29 & 30.

    Last year was the first time since 1989 the Holiday Classic was not played.

    Nolan Grindley
    Nolan Grindley dribbles the ball down the court during second half action against Teutopolis last month. This December, the Spartans will face tough competition at the State Farm Holiday Basketball Classic.
    PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
    The 2021 tournament field will include 15 new teams. Fourteen of the 64 teams slated to play are ranked in the final Associated Press polls for the 2021 season.

    East Dubuque and Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin will be joining the boys small school division competition in the state's largest co-ed high school holiday tournament.

    Along with these two new programs, St. Joseph-Ogden, led Ty Pence, will face stiff competition from the likes of Annawan, Aurora Christian, Bloomington Central Catholic, Chicago Providence St. Mel, Downs Tri-Valley, El Paso-Gridley, Kankakee Bishop McNamara, Quincy Notre Dame, Rock Falls, Stanford Olympia and Winnebago. Pence, who will be a junior, is ranked #27 in the Class of 2023 recruiting class.

    The Spartans finished in sixth place with at 2-2 tournament record in 2019 putting up wins over Annawan in the opener and Bloomington Central Catholic in the championship bracket.

    The SJO girls squad, who will be underrated and under the radar going into the 2021-2022 season, will see familiar opponents with Annawan, fellow Illini Prairie Conference mates Bloomington Central Catholic, Camp Point Central/Augusta Southeastern, El Paso-Gridley, Kankakee Bishop McNamara, Normal U-High, Rockford Lutheran, Rock Falls and Sherrard.

    New in their division are teams from Aurora Christian, Winnebago, and Stanford Olympia, who were set to join the tournament last winter. They will also be joined Port Byron Riverdale, who will make their tournament debut in December, and the returning Sacred Heart-Griffin program.

    In their last appearance, veteran head coach Kevin Taylor's #4 seeded team kicked off the tournament in 2019 with a 46-42 overtime win over Bishop McNamara. The upset victory put the Spartans up against the eventual championship team from Normal University High. The Lady Pioneers prevailed, but that didn't stop SJO from winning their last two contests to finish in 5th place.

    The State Farm Classic has awarded $67,000 in scholarships to graduating student-athletes who participated in the tournament. The 2021 scholarship award winners will be announced next month. The tournament has also donated over $70,000 in the recent past to participating high school basketball programs.

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