Peotone Students Honored for Academic and Athletic Achievements

The Peotone Board of Education recognized numerous students for their academic and athletic accomplishments during the April 23 meeting.

High school sophomore Olivia Robinson was honored as the March Student of the Month for demonstrating positivity and encouragement to fellow students. The recognition is part of the district’s “Be the Spark” program that acknowledges students who exemplify specific character traits.

At the junior high level, three students received recognition as March Students of the Month: sixth-grader Gabby Bush, seventh-grader Emma Long, and eighth-grader Gemma Breheny. These students were selected for demonstrating outstanding behavior, good work ethic, and going “above and beyond the call of duty.”

The board also recognized the junior high eighth-grade girls’ basketball team for their participation in the Class 3A IESA State Basketball Tournament. The team, coached by Jim Wedic, competed at Germantown Hills Middle School in December. Team members included Scarlett Borgman, Gemma Breheny, Spencer Cann, Ella Clay, Olivia Grzeskowiak, Charley Isbell, Mary Klawitter, MaKayla Kraft, Harper McMaster, Giana Pagliarulo, Payton Pape, and Sophia Stachniak.

Two junior high wrestlers were honored for their state-level achievements. Jimmy O’Connor placed sixth in the state in the 90-pound weight class, while Jonah Young placed third in the 126-pound weight class at the IESA State Wrestling Tournament held at Northern Illinois University. Both wrestlers were coached by Jay Young and Mark Gall.

The recognitions highlight the district’s commitment to acknowledging both academic excellence and athletic achievement across all grade levels.