ACE Awards 2024

April 25, 2024

2024

Hosted by Sangamon County Jr. High Schoolmasters ’

Welcome to the Sangamon County Jr. High School ACE Award Luncheon Sponsored by the Sangamon County Jr. High Schoolmasters ’ Association

The Sangamon County Jr. High Principals Association annually recognizes students who enhance their school environment by bringing positive contributions above and beyond the norm to their classrooms, teams activities, and beyond. The ACE Awards was started in 1997 from the suggestion and leadership of Tony Cerveny, principal at that time at Auburn Jr. High School. The original site for the luncheon was the Heritage House restaurant. Eventually the recognition event found a home at the Golden Corral where students could socialize and enjoy a fun lunch together. The event is now held at Erin ’ s Pavilion where students enjoy a day of games, food, socializing and other activities.

Sangamon County Junior High Schoolmasters 2023 - 24 Schedule of Events Click on event to see program

Date

Event

Time

Location

Oct. 19, 2023

Leadership Conference + Meeting

8:00 AM

Rochester FUMC

Oct. 18, 2023

Honor Band Concert

6:30 PM

Glenwood HS

Oct. 21 - 26, 2023

Girls County Basketball Tournament

TBA

Auburn

Nov. 11, 2023

Literary Contest

TBA

Rochester

Dec.27 - Jan.3 2024

Boys County Basketball Tournament

TBA

Auburn

Feb 17 & 19, 2024

Girls County Volleyball Tournament

TBA

Riverton

Feb. 21, 2024

County Spelling Bee

TBA

Pawnee

Feb. 24, 2024

SEMA Solo and Ensemble Contest

TBA

Tri - City

Apr. 3 - 4, 2024

County Scholastic Bowl Meet

TBA

Pleasant Plains

Apr. 13, 2024

County Track Meet

TBA

Pawnee

Apr. 15, 2024

County Track Meet Rain Date

2:00 PM

New Berlin

Apr. 26, 2024

ACE Awards Luncheon

11:00 AM

Southwind Park

Sangamon County Junior High Schoolmaster ACE Award Winners

Glenwood

Athens

Pawnee

Auburn

Armonte Griffin

Brady Baka

Lucca Dinardo

Jarred Harris

Claire Knoedler

Gianna Fugnitti

Quincy Grider

Coady Hudgins

CeCe Veenstra

Ty Lederbrand

Levi Hunley

Vincent Moscardelli

Laken Chabak

Lydia Megginson

Lillian Kochman

Madi Sandidge

Hugo Lopp

Mia Skinner

Levi Spellbrink

Braxton Rexroad

Rochester

Tri - City

New Berlin

Williamsville

Kelsey Amerson

Brycen Narup

Elliana Neuman

Brady Chase

Charlotte Long

Kamryn Nihiser

Isaac Bauman

Courtney Hodel

Ursula Phillips - Eccles

Juliet Hannah

Michael Bandelow

Andrew Mendenhall

Luke Steck

Colton Rincker

Abigail Jones

Maddie Overmeyer

Evrim Tabag

Griffin Waters

Brookelyn Fuchs

Liam Zemaitis

Riverton

Pleasant Plains

Greenview

Jack Gravlin

Evelyn Dennis

Madi Powell

Sam Lefevre

Jaxson Boone

Lucy Waibel

Emily Huffman

Kailynn Fales

Samuel Stevens

Lizzy Daley

Maddy Hegele

Liam Stienkruger

Paisley Walker

Andrew Potthoff

Morgen Deters

QUINCY GRIDER Auburn Jr. High School Christine Bailey, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Throughout my Junior High years, I have been involved in basketball, volleyball, and track.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable experience at Auburn Jr. High is winning the 2023 Regional Championship my 8th grade year for basketball.

LUCCA DINARDO Auburn Jr. High School Christine Bailey, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Track 6th-8th, 8th Grade basketball, and Student Council

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Playing 8th grade basketball

LEVI HUNLEY Auburn Jr. High School Christine Bailey, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I have been involved in basketball, JFL football, track, and FCA.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

When the basketball team went to sectionals in East St. Louis, and we all knew that we were not going to win, so we just had as much fun as possible.

LILLIAN KOCHMAN Auburn Jr. High School Christine Bailey, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I have played the flute in Band, attended ILMEA, Honor Band, and Solo & Ensemble. I have also ran track in Junior High.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Attending ILMEA for Band

LEVI SPELLBRINK Auburn Jr. High School Christine Bailey, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Scholastic Bowl

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable experience is also Scholastic Bowl. It's the most fun I've had ever with anything school related.

LAKEN CHABAK Glenwood Middle School Christine Lehnen, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Baseball, Cross Country, Track, Sangamon Leadership Conference

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Winning state in school baseball

CLAIRE KNOEDLER Glenwood Middle School Christine Lehnen, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Volleyball and Basketball

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Volleyball state

HUGO LOP Glenwood Middle School Christine Lehnen, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Football, Basketball, Track, Student Council

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Going to State for basketball

CECILIA VEENSTRA Glenwood Middle School Christine Lehnen, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Volleyball team, Basketball team

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Going to state for both basketball and volleyball

MICHAEL BANDELOW New Berlin Jr. High School Brandon Radford, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Baseball

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

ISAAC BAUMAN New Berlin Jr. High School Brandon Radford, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Scholastic Bowl, Track, Yearbook, Leadership, Student Council, Kart Racing

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Ms. Machin and our lunch crew

BROOKELYN FUCHS New Berlin Jr. High School Brandon Radford, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sports- Track, Volleyball, Cheer, and Soccer

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

One of the most memorable experiences while in junior high/middle school for me is winning the 2023 IESA State Cheer Competition Championship.

ABIGAIL JONES New Berlin Jr. High School Brandon Radford, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I was involved in basketball (6th) and volleyball (6th 8th). I also participate in the New Berlin Youth Group.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable experience while in junior high would be attending the LEAD Leadership Conference my 7th grade year.

ELLIANA NEUMAN New Berlin Jr. High School Brandon Radford, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sports- Competitive Cheerleading, Volleyball, Track & Field, Soccer Extras- Student Council

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable experience while in junior high was placing 1st in the IESA State Cheerleading Competition, on February 15th, 2023, in 7th grade.

BRADY BAKA Pawnee Jr. High School Nicole Goodall, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I am currently involved in Band, Scholastic Bowl, and Junior Beta. I participated in the Pawnee and County Spelling Bees in 7th and 8th grade. I attended the 2023 Sangamon County School Masters Leadership Conference and the 2023 LEAD Conference.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable moment was receiving the 8th Grade Social Studies Champion Award at the 2024 Junior Beta Convention.

GIANNA FUGNITTI Pawnee Jr. High School Nicole Goodall, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Junior Beta Club, Softball, Basketball, Volleyball

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

When our Junior High Softball team went to state.

TY LEDERBRAND Pawnee Jr. High School Nicole Goodall, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Basketball, Baseball,Track, Literary, Junior Beta

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Going to state in basketball and baseball

LYDIA MEGGINSON Pawnee Jr. High School Nicole Goodall, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Girls Basketball team manager (8th), Junior High track (7th & 8th), Literary contest (7th & 8th), Junior Beta Club (7th & 8th), Horseback riding (not school associated)

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

One of my most memorable experiences while in junior high is helping run the County Spelling Bee. I had a ton of fun, and I got to skip some classes that day!

MIA SKINNER Pawnee Jr. High School Nicole Goodall, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jr. Beta, track, cheer, volleyball, scholastic bowl, band, literary

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Making a game show for the revolutionary war in history.

JAXON BOON Pleasant Plains Middle School Andrew West, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pleasant Plains Baseball team, Basketball team, Track and Field, and Book Club

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Our baseball team won the IESA State Class 2A Baseball Tournament.

EVELYN DAVIS Pleasant Plains Middle School Andrew West, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

During my middle school years I have been involved in Volleyball, BETA Club, Art Club and Choir

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Going to state in 7th grade for Volleyball was a very memorable experience. It was super fun to play and get to go with all my friends. There were so many students, parents, and staff from the school supporting us!

KAILYNN FALES Pleasant Plains Middle School Andrew West, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cross country, track, volleyball, book club, art club

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

The 7th grade field trip we took to a historical place to learn about the underground railroad and we went to the movies to watch Apollo 13.

MADDY HEGELE Pleasant Plains Middle School Andrew West, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cross Country, Track, Basketball, Volleyball, Beta Club, Choir, Band, yearbook club, art club, student council and green team.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

At Pleasant Plains Middle School I am a leader in a club called Plains United. Plains United is an organization at my school that promotes the inclusion of students with all abilities. This organization works closely with the Special Olympics. Last year we had an assembly because the Special Olympics awarded our school with the honor of being recognized as a Unified Champion School. This is a difficult award to achieve, but my

peers and I helped make it happen. To honor the special occasion our school held an assembly where we had several guest speakers and the Unified Basketball team played a game of basketball. At the end of the assembly the Special Olympics presented our school with a banner to be displayed in our building. It was really awesome to see all the students filled with so much excitement as they showed support to everyone that made this recognition possible. I was lucky enough to be given the honor of being one of emcees during the assembly.

ELIZABETH DALEY Riverton Middle School Rob Horn, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I have been in track, basketball, volleyball, cheer, dance, yearbook, BETA club member, and a student council member/president during my middle school career.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable experience was having the opportunity to be involved and participate in the school board meetings throughout the school year during my 8th grade year.

SAM LEFEVRE Riverton Middle School Rob Horn, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cross country, track, leadership, and student council

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Spending time with friends at the end of each year during field days

JACK GRAVLIN Riverton Middle School Rob Horn, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I am involved in Beta Club, Student Council, Basketball, Track, Cross Country.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable experience while in junior high school is Field day.

EMILY HUFFMAN Riverton Middle School Rob Horn, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I have been involved in Beta Club, Student Council, Yearbook Club, Student mentor, and hawk pride.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable experience while in middle school was our field days at the end or a semester, we would spend all day playing different sports and activities.

PAISLEY WALKER Riverton Middle School Rob Horn, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I have been involved in basketball, literary club, book club, scholastic bowl, choir, the musical, the spelling bee and yearbook club during my middle school career.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable experience was going to county for the spelling bee during my 8th grade year.

KELSEY AMERSON Rochester Jr. High School Kim Poole, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Student Council, Rocket Crew, Softball, Volleyball,

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

URSULA PHILLIPS-ECCLES Rochester Jr. High School Kim Poole, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Choir, Musical, Student council vice president, and rocket crew.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

CHARLOTTE LONG Rochester Jr. High School Kim Poole, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cross Country, Cheer, Track, and Student Council

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Having great experiences at state for Cheer, Cross Country, and Track. Doing Big Buddies with kindergartners.

LUKE STECK Rochester Jr. High School Kim Poole, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Literary, school masters leadership conference, student council, scholastic bowl, track, cross country, news anchor, band, jazz band, science Olympiad, Boy Scouts.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I feel like my most memorable experience is when I was asked to attend the schoolmasters Leadership conference.

EVRIM TABAG Rochester Jr. High School Kim Poole, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Scholastic Bowl, Track, Science Olympiad, News Anchor, Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Jazz Choir, Boy Scouts, Football, Musical

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Meeting new people through all the sports, arts, and academic programs that my school offers.

JULIET HANNAH Tri-City Jr. High School Christy Kindel, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Copper coin ballet company, Compass for kids, student council, sand castle daycare, dance arts studio, and junior high track.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

My most memorable experience while in junior high is getting fifth at state in track. My event was the 400 meter dash and i was so honored to have the opportunity to compete against fellow talented athletes.

BRYCEN NARUP Tri-City Jr. High School Christy Kindel, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

student council, Baseball, track, and scholastic bowl this year

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

COLTEN RINCKER Tri-City Jr. High School Christy Kindel, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Soccer

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

KAMRYN NIHISER Tri-City Jr. High School Christy Kindel, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

JH track, School cheer ,Competitive cheer

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cheering for basketball all thought middle school.

GRIFFIN WATERS Tri-City Jr. High School Christy Kindel, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

None at tri-city

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

ANDREW MENDENHALL Williamsville Jr. High School Clay Shoufler, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

I have played baseball throughout junior high.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

The greatest experiences throughout junior high are near the end of the school year when teachers can play movies. I am excited of the end of this year and 8th grade graduation.

MADDIE OVERMEYER Williamsville Jr. High School Clay Shoufler, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Track, basketball, choir, band, Boppin Beebee’s, Beta Club, two of the high school musicals

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Some of my most memorable experiences in junior high was being a part of the high school musicals, “Seussical” and “The Little Mermaid.”

BRADY CHASE Williamsville Jr. High School Clay Shoufler, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

High school Fall play, Spring Musical, Scholastic Bowl, ILMEA, Jazz ILMEA, Solo and Ensemble Contest, Literary Club.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Going to see Wicked at the Fox Theater.

LIAM ZEMAITIS Williamsville Jr. High School Clay Shoufler, Principal

I

ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Beta Club, Band, Jazz Band, Chamber Band, Choir, Boppin Bee Bees Show Choir, Madrigals, School Musicals, ILMEA All District Band/Jazz Band, SEMA Honor Band, Track, Scholastic Bowl, Leadership Conference

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WHILE IN JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL

Making first chair trumpet for ILMEA all district band.

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