Saturday May 7, 2022
32 pages
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
2
Lauren Althaus
Jacob Bickett
Hannah Blanton
Isaac Blodgett
Abigail Christoffersen
Nicholas Corcoran
Dylan Daniels
Angela Daszkiewicz
Ethan Davis
Olivia Dinges
Ian Eller
Mason Ely
Gracie Esquivel
Jordan Gulley
Sabdy Herrera
Jairon Hochstatter
Connor Hummel
Andruw Jones
Congratulations to all graduates and their families!
You worked hard, and proved you can succeed. Best wishes for success and happiness in your future endeavors!
Congratulations!
The First National Bank in Amboy
Flavors
25 E. Main St., Amboy, IL 61310 SM-ST1975481
SM-ST1975480
AMBOY
DIXON
FRANKLIN GROVE
MONROE CENTER
815-857-3625 www.fnbamboy.com
3
Elizabeth Malach
Haden McCoy
Alyzea McKendry
Riley McNair
Dana Merriman
Olivia Miller
Amelia Mondra
Alexis Morgan
Baylie Nickel
Kenzie Nickel
Autumn Norman
Austin Olson
Chanlor Pohl
Lauren Richardson
Samuel Russell
Christian Shaw
Madalyn Shuck
Connor Simpson
Haley Sus
Lauren Tarr
Dalton Thomas
Caden Wittenauer
Haidyn Zimmerly
Congratulations to our 2022 Graduates!
Amboy School District
Great Job Graduates!
When looking toward your future, look toward us...
Excellence, Every Day
SM-ST1975462
Empowering world-class learners and responsible citizens.
u t l a a r t ions g n o C raduates ! G
City of A m b o y 227 East Main St., Amboy, Illinois 61310 815-857-3814 www.cityofamboy.org
“Great Deals, Great Service, Since 1926”
Cars, Trucks, Crossovers & SUVs Rt. 52 N. Sublette, IL, Ph. 815/849-5232 or 1-800-227-5203
www.vaessenbrothers.com
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Nicole Latta
GRADUATION SECTION
Ingrid Larson
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
4
Madalyn Atkinson
Katelyn Bass
Bailey Berogan
Cameron Bradfield
Grey Contreras
Ellah Dorn
Jordyn Ellis
McKenna Erdman
Lyla Fike
Hailey Garcia
Dylan Gonnerman
Elaina Harris
Mia Hoese
James Holden
Brandon Jongewaard
Evan Kopp
Lakkiah McClain
Larrell McClain
Caleb Merriman
Aspen Balensiefen
Carter Balensiefen
Jessica Milligan
Mason Munroe
Tate Behrends
Shawn Renard
Matthew Berry
Jamison Rich
Bo Blair
Jadyn Ross
Hudson Blondin
Angel Soto
Nevin Bolin
Congratulations area Graduates! 102 N. Elm St. P.O. Box 405 Franklin Grove, IL 61031
815-456-2319
www.stenzelinsurance.com SM-ST1975482
Taylor Swift | Singer
Tatum Stroh
Layton Britt
Alan Calderon
5
Courtlynn Carrell
Rhaelynn Chism
Davis Dietz
Ella Entas
Jennifer Etheridge
Brock Foster
Jack Gartner
Wyatt Gott
William Gross
Carter Haney
Brodie Hansen
Levi Hardy
Lauryn Hartz
Mia Hernandez
Addison Hicks
Braydon Higgins
Sterling Horner
Sarah Howes
Kaylee Hurley
Madison Jaggers
Adam Johnson
Logan Johnson
Darla Kepner
Justin Kopp
Elija Kruse
Tristan Lafferty
Allison Larkin
Mason Lemons
Amelia Lind
Austin Longmire
Alexis Marquez
Jaden Michlig
Olivia Miranda
Eileen Myong
Logan Nally
Ashley Nordstrom
Alivia Piper
Lainey Pohar-Seghi
Hope Richardson
Aliza Rogers
Anna Rousonelos
Carter Salisbury
Tyra Sayler
Abigail Schmitt
Jenae Sears
Bryson Smith
Camryn Smith
Dawson Stabler
Kyra Stoller
Thomas Sullivan
Madison Vick
Grace Zeman
Photo not available: Jacob Bruhl, Valentina Guttler, Brody Stone
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Keegan Carlson
GRADUATION SECTION
Kaleen Carlson
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
6
Caysen Arevalo
Ethan Bradley
James Brearton
Isabella Covey
Abigail Douglass
Carter Dudley
Dominic Gabbard
Hunter Gallentine
Dimetri Garza
Braidon Hamilton
Kieren Harris
Tyson Helfrich
Carissa Hubbard
Jordan Kersten
Andrew Lapp
Austin Lapp
Linsey Lapp
Matthew Lapp
Rylee Matthews
Reneya Merkel
Ali Mertz
Adriana Miller
Ashton Nobis
Lillian Queckboerner
Hailey Rannfeldt
Lannigan Rogers
Payton Sarber
Blake Schurman
Colton Stahl
Izaac Toms-Smith
Peyton Urish
Caden VanDyke
Gage Wilk
Briana Wilkinson
Riley Abell
Faithin Amenda
Melanie Armstrong
Colin Baker
Victoria Baker
Ralph Beauchamp
Ana Berkey
Michael Bivins
Emma Blackbourn
Breanna Boelter
Landon Bollman
Andres Bonilla
Haley Breeden
Fredy Briceno
Hannah Brill
Joel Brooks
Kyran Brooks
Gage Burdick
7
Mallory Buskohl
Anthony Calderon
Coty Carlson
Verthandi Carroll
Elena Castillo-Wetzell
Jenna Cibu
Chloe Coil
Mallory Coley
Gizell Cox
Hailie Craft
Madison Cumberland
Justin Dallas
Desiray DeRuiter
Lillian Deter
Hannah Dickson
Darci Dunphy
Beau Evans
Carson Faley
Zachary Fay
Zechariah Fazekas
Ryli Fisher
Aidan Flanagan
Ginger Flynn
Brennan Frey
Kaitlyn Frey
CONGRATULATIONS FROM
Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
Best Wishes To Our Grad! Dixon High School Melanie Armstrong
SEE US FOR YOUR GRADUATION TABLE AND CHAIR RENTALS
www.acerentalplacedixon.com
Meghan G. Crisham, D.D.S. Michael L. Brechon, D.D.S. Shailee S. Patel, D.D.S. SM-ST1975473
815-288-4731
CONGRATULATIONS
Class of 2022 JONES FUNERAL HOMES DIXON 204 S.Ottawa Ave. 288-2241
AMBOY 303 E. Main St. 857-2611
Patrick R. Jones, Jr. • Christopher E. Jones
www.thejonesfh.com
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Kyler Burke
GRADUATION SECTION
Anthony Burke
Isaiah Friemoth
Jacob Gaither
Natalie Gaulke
Hunter Gehrt
Carson Genz
Alexander Georgiev
Kaylee Giles
Karson Glessner
Ainsley Govig
Isabella Gray
Hayden Green
Mackenzee Greve
Victoria Grossman
Owen Grot
Danielle Grygiel
Jacob Gusse
Payton Hale
Emma Halla
Andrea Harrison
Trinity Harshman
Cecilia Hartman
Makayla Hartman
Lucas Healy
Meah Helfrich
Kate Heppler
Laura Herrera
Camron Herrmann
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES! Jordan Mesick
CLASS OF
214 Keul Road Dixon, IL 61021 Bus: 779-251-1022 jordan.mesick.vacbrd@statefarm.com
2
Best Wishes On Your Future
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE.® SM-ST1975676
www.commstbk.com Providing Insurance and Financial Services • statefarm.com® State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois
SM-ST1975470
GRADUATION SECTION
8
Dixon • Fulton • Morrison • Rock Falls • Sterling MEMBER FDIC
9
Kamberlin Humphrey
Benjamin Huyck
Evelynn Hvarre
DreAnthony Jackson
Grant Jacobs
Angelica Jarrett
Elle Jarrett
James Jarrett
Jameson Jeffery
Jayden Jimenez
Dakota Johnson
Easton Kemp
Tessa Kerley
Jayde Kraftor
Kaden Kramer
Shea Lahey
Madelyn Lahman
Kenzie Laird
Bradyn Langloss
Tanner Lawson
Jace Lenarz
Morgan Leslie
Alexander Lewis
John Lightner
Raymond Lohse
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADS! After years of hard work, countless late nights and collecting a closet full of school colors — you did it! We’re proud to support students pursuing and achieving their dreams, on campus and beyond.
Bob Maltry, Agent 709 N Brinton Ave Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-4206
American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & Its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2018 014469 – Rev. 10/21 – 16085586
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Grace Howell
GRADUATION SECTION
Beau Hoggard
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
10
Laci Long
Damon Lucas
Logan Lutz
Abigail Mayers
Alexander Mayers
Gavin McAlister
Isabelle McCommons
Alexis McConnell
Bridget McCrory
Chasity McGlown
Kyarra McGlown
Kyleigh Meiborg
Holli Miller
Logan Moeller
HalleyAnne Moore
Bobby Moorehead
Addison Mullan
Kaden Mulligan
Madalyn Munson
Brayden Murray
Myles Nally
Addyson North
Elise O’Donnell
Kaitlin O’Donnell
Peter Ogan
Wade Pennington
Ashton Persinger
2022 ! Dixon Autobody Clinic
1104 E. River Road, Dixon • 815-288-2722 24 Hour Towing 815-288-5111
11
Brody Potter
Trey Scheidegger
Isaiah Shover
Marcus Shover
Chelsea Soria
Ethan Tate
Caden Southard
Derion Thomas
Brady Schultheis
Amara Rascon
Jacob Schumacher
Dylan Shroyer
Rebecca Starr
Aidanna Topping
Dennis Rasmussen
Jacob Schuneman
Mason Shuck
Elizabeth Stauter
Paige Riley
Jadyn Settles
Christopher Sitter
Hayden Steinmeyer
Miguel Torres
Katie Shafer
Arianne Smith
Tyra Stokes
Samantha Tourtillott
Annah Rosenbaum
Hanna Strachan
Owen Trenholm
Michael Ross
Connley Shank
Lucas Sheridan
Zoe Smith
Mariam Sohail
Hayden Swarbrick
Abigail Tate
Alex Ullrich
Alexander Van Sickle
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations
to all area Graduates! Catering available for your graduation parties! Let Mama Do the Cooking! 104 S. Peoria, Dixon | 815.288.4448 | www.mamaciminosdixon.com SM-ST1878656
2022 Arnold Schwarzenegger Actor
502 IL Rt. 2, Dixon, IL
815-284-2044
Serving the Sauk Valley Since 1967
“Plumbers Protect the Good Health of the Nation!” IL Licensed 055-000988
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Alivia Rubright
Mason Randick
GRADUATION SECTION
Rylee Pfoutz
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
12
Ethan VanHorn
Jayson Vincent
Jessica VonderSmith
Kaylee Ward
Bryce Weems
Molly Weinzierl
Makenzie Welch
Elijah Wenzel
Emma West
Ashlynn Whaley
Damita White
Mitchell White
Clarice Williar
Tianna Wolber
Alexander Wood
Kelsey Woolard
Kaylie Yocum
Ellenor Zimmerman
Picture not available: Morgan Bonnell, Piper Boyer, Lieth Elbzour, Sky Goral, Anna Hall, Zane Jasper, Zavion Johnson, Miriya Jones, Nathaniel Kettley, Jessica Randolph, Kenzie Rhodes, Emma Sandrock, Blaike Sherrod, Cara Smoot and Brenden Walker
Andrew Anderson
Hayleigh Barncord
Addison Burkholder
Ella Burkholder
Kaydence Coulthard
Emma Dambman
Ethan Dertz
Delana Erbsen
Samantha Fink
Michael Frey
Vanessa Guerrero
Macie Hamblen
Abbey Hammer
Carson Heckman
Justin Heldt
Kellen Henze
Katelyn Joens
Kenadi Kappes
Daniel Kloepping
David Kloepping
Kimberly Livingston
Riley McKenna
Logan Miller
Annika Myre
Benelli Onley
Mati Paisley
Angeline Pontnack
Kendall Preston
Lowden Preston
Marie Preston
Caydence Randall
Evan Rausch
Zebediah Reed
Natalie Reifsteck
Owen Rogers
Shay Schramm
Dezeray Shaffer
Gavin Sigel
13
Jaxson Sturtevant
Erin Ashdown
Dylan Chandler
Trevor Cobo
Kolby Franks
Elijah Friedrichsen
Mya Jones
Bobbi-Jo Leech
Jacob Otten
Lillian Stubbs
Riley Packer
Addyson Swift
Macy Ashdown
Austin Sundquist
Nick Ballard
Austin Cole
Braxton Froeliger
Keegan Magness
Ethan Palmer
Brent Tate
Chloe Sweitzer
Kaley True
Austin Beaird
Andrew Bomleny
Jadyn Collis
Gaige Gehrking
Emma Davis
Cadance Hawk
Steven Masterman
Dylan Passno
Nadia Bright
Emily Decker
Emily Herzmann
Breanna Merrill
Drew Rick
Aaron Trokey
Madison Warner
Isabelle VanOosten
Paige Dykstra
Devin Hicks
Michael Miner
Haley Shafer
Tucker Jepson
Mason Misfeldt
Nick Smith
Reese Voeltz
Kyiah Brookhart
Kelsey Stichter
Bryan Wayne
Trace Witmer
Michael Carlson
Malory Eggers
Jacob Johnson
Mysti Moody
Caroline Stone
Shea Winters
Gabriel York
Nicolas Cervantes
Mikayla Foster
Jaden Johnson
Jade Nickerson
Jaylee Stortz
Hayley Wuebben
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Payton Adamson
Paul Sturtevant
GRADUATION SECTION
Katlyn Spong
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
14
Kylie Augenstine
Hannah Beran
Catherine Bloemker
Eliana Gale
Sarah-Elizabeth Haenitsch
Keigan Hafer
Levi Heller
Alyssa Moss
Madly Baker
Brenna Bell
Rachael Bennett
Lara Bielema
Jersey Boyson
Alexander Brown
Aliya Bueno
Lindsey Carlson
Kelsey Crimmins
Aiden Daley
Marcus Dixon
Drew Dykstra
Zach Dykstra
Oliva Eversoll
Dominick Everson
Emmie Ganzer
Mikayla Gazo
Teegan Germann
Cameron Glazier
Johnathan Greifzu
Suvraj Grewal
Kelly Harris
Jacob Hartman
Cole Hartsell
Lilly Hayden
Connor Howard
Anna Huizenga
Congratulations Congratulations to to all our Wonderful all our Wonderful Graduates Graduates of 2022! of 2012! Lin-Manuel Miranda Composer/actor
Faith Assembly ofSt., Grand Grand Detour 7571 S. Ridge Rd., Grand Detour • 815-652-4806 7881 S. Green Detour
fcsfalcons.com 7881 S. Green St., Grand Detour • 815-652-4488 faithgranddetour.org
SM-ST1975478
15
Dane Johnson
Emma Johnson
Jacob Jones
Colton Layne
Marissa Lehman
Littlejohn Haleigh
Patrick Lower
Davis Ludin
Lauren Mahoney
Brock Mason
Madison McClelland
Victoria McGovern
Kyle Meinema
Gavin Mendoza
Dominic Mulder
Ella Penca
Hannah Phelps
Montana Pierce
Cailyn Piercy
Lucas Raab
Kole Schipper
Xander Seesser
Travis Sippel
Hailey Stage
Kara Stoecker
Aiden Taylor
Abbigail Thyne
Kendra Underwood
Keegan VanKampen
Parker Veith
Xander Walling
Cecelia Wendt
Ian Wiebenga
Kannon Wynkoop
Photo not available: Christina Todd
Alexander Anderson
Joseph Anderson
Jacob Andrews
Teyana Arroyo-Miller
Chloe Austin-Roeder
Justice Brainerd
Clara Bush
Kayla Carpenter
Corrine Carroll
Sidney Cook
Thomas Dauphin
Payton Decker
Jakob Dykema
Jenna Dykema
Mason Dykstra
Laney Edgeton
Skyler Everhart
Carver Findley
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Paige Jackson
GRADUATION SECTION
Joseph Huizenga
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
16
Kendra Fisher
Kalli Fisher
Tanna Frederick
Aaron Freeman
Jessica Frias
Faith Green
Owen Hayenga
Katherine Henson
Braxton Houzenga
Dakota Houzenga
Nolan Houzenga
Quinn James
Michael Karras
Rosie Knaggs
Hailey Kozovic
Hannah Lambdin
Rongxuan Li
Evelyn Lira
Noah May
Andre McQueen
Isaac Melton
Luke Millard
Michaela Millard
Dylan Millerschone
Adam Neumann
Courtnee Oldham
Kristen Peters
Parker Pohren
Riley Pohren
Samuel Richards
Macie Riffle
Nathan Schaefer
Lindsey Schroder
Noah Scott
Gavin Severson
Tyler Shambaugh
Xandra Shaw
Layne Stephenson
David Stralow
Trey Strating
Brayden Swaim
Allison Taylor
Calvin Troutman
Cadie Unger
Faith Vandervinne
Lillian Weston
Kayden White
Ethan Wiebenga
Bailey Williams
Macy Williamson
Haley Wilson
Brady Wolf
Photo not available: Beau Brackemeyer, Rachel Coyle, Izaguirre Garcia, Xavier Hall, Mia Nieto, Aracely Pineda-Xona, Kaeton Still.
Dayton Young
17
Alicia Ardis
Riley Baker
Tyler Bonnell
Koda Brininger
Ty Brockman
Zoey Bulfer
Lilliana Campbell
Jared Carney
Allison Clevenger
Brennen Cook
Brayden Cortez
John Craft
Jacob Donald
Cody Donna
Mason Glaudel
Paige Grennan
Noah Harris
Grace Hernandez
Trenten Hicks
Jacob Johnson
Stephanie Juarez
Shannon Kelly
Caleb Knutti
Grant Koerner
Alec Marruffo
Michael Altschuler | Entreprenuer
We are proud of all our local High Schools’ graduates.
George Burns| Entertainer
Congratulations To All 2022 Area Graduates! YOU DID IT! WELL DONE! 218 Locust St., Sterling • 625-7969 (For Carryout) Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 11am - 8pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am - 9pm
SM-ST1975617
Special Congratulations and Recognition to our Family and Employees!! Shannon Kelly, Bridget Sanders, Cael Sanders, Kiley Sanders & Libby Kendrick.
STERLING 1514 W. Fourth Street
SM-ST1975620
(815) 625-5949 ROCKFORD ENGELELECTRIC.COM
5280 11th Street
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Syrinidie Amos
GRADUATION SECTION
Alexandra Allen
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
18
Owen McBride
Shaelyn McNeill
Griffin Moran
Kory Mullen
Jace Murphy
Elliot Noble
Rhett Oetting
Mario Passini
Thomas Powers
Ethan Preuss
James Rhodes
Pedro Rivera-Otero
Alejandro Rodriguez
Annie Rude
Will Rude
Cecilia Sagel
Marisel Schalck
Drew Scott
Meghan Simpson
Lillyan Toppert
Sarah Tunink
Ethan Van Landuit
Brock Loftus
Kaden Welty
Ashley Wierman
Garrett Ringenberg
Alexander Wigginton
Marcus Williams
Macy Zigler
Molly Zigler
Peyton Tennison
Cassandra Aylward
Cody Bailey
Paige Beauchem
Shaun Blake
Jenae Bothe
Isaac Brooks
Brayden Burkhart
Simona Carriero
Colton Case
Olivia Chavez
Bradly Cheever
Avery Clark
Kenton Comer
Zachary Cox
Riley Crichton
Alina Dexheimer
Liam Dickson-Harriett
Ashley Diehl
19
Hayden Eastman
Brooklyn Fritts-Lachat
Gavin Gallagher
Joey Gelander
Ethan George
Jared Glendenning
Shyanne Hanson
Tristan Harriett
Chase Harvell
Mya Hernandez
James Hill
Weston Hughes
Wesley Immel
Isaac Jacobs
Naysa Johnson
Taylor Johnson
Isaac Kaltenbrun
Maya Key
Hayden Klapp
Isabella Koertner
Lauren Lirgameris
Riley Lofgreen
Ricky Logan
Victoria Marchetti
Carter Marlatt
Faith Marquardt
Miranda Merrit
Emily Millan
Abigail Miller
Max Miller
Carmen Montes-Allende
Kelsi Morris
Isaac Nelson
Eden Nielsen
Cassandra Nyderek
Alejandro Ocampo
Kenrick Oriyavong
Mia Ortega
Natalia Pascual
Aubrey Point
Issac Reber
Kaydin Reber
Raylene Richardson
Natalie Roesslein
Taylar Rufer
Allesandra Schelling
Brady Schwartz
Avery Sellers
Lucas Stevens
Jesse Suter
Manuel Tabernero
Nadia Theisen
Megan Thompson
Alyssa Torres
Lena Trampel
Mia Trampel
Miguel Vazquez-Barragan
Abigail Virgil
Brandon Wade
Garrett Warner
Luca Van Dyck
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Abigail Duke
GRADUATION SECTION
Daniel Dominguez
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
20
Photo not available Caleb Bailey Hadaway, Kenneth Barnhart, Gunner Bay, Tyler Groseclose, Athan Gutierrez-Smith, Terrance Harris, Elizabeth Holden, Ciara Irvin, Ariana Moore, Ari Peralta-Toledo, Jeremiah Ramos, Gabriel Withem Kaden Wendt
Jackson Werren
Piper Williams
Nick Wylie
Madissen Allen
Jasmine Badon
Cooper Blake
Kaylah Boelens
Nicole Boelens
Nicholas Cain
Matthew Call
Breanna Cisketti
Clayton Davis
Blake Diehl
Josh Donaldson
Daniel Engel
Madelynn Jones
Oliver Kaczmarski
Denesy Lackland
Morgan McBride
Natalie McDuffy
Alex Medrano
Tyler Merdian
Monica Miller
Natalie Nelson
Kowen Newman
Wyatt Queckboerner
Wayde Reimer
Matthew Rienstra
Devin Rucker
Devion Sankey
Kahlil Sankey
Kadence Sheaffer
Linnea Sundman
Colton Taylor
Tristian Truitt
Connor Ukena
Faith Ukena
Braelyn Velez
Kealie Wilcox
Emileigh Williams
Abigail Yingling
Taryn Zell
Metro News Service
Being named a valedictorian or salutatorian is a significant achievement. Some students may not fully understand what these titles represent. Every school has its own qualifications, but in general, valedictorians and salutatorians are those individuals who have reached the very highest levels of academic success.
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
Certain schools may have one salutatorian, while others may have two or more. The college guidance resource Transizion says the salutatorian is usually the individual
Metro News Service
ranked second in the graduating class. A salutatorian will deliver the salutation, otherwise known as the opening speech of the graduation ceremony. The valedictorian speaks later in the program.
High-ranking terms In addition to valedictorian and salutatorian, students also may become familiar with other terminology, including class rank and “cum laude” recognitions. Class rank refers to a student’s GPA in relation to other students in the same grade. Class rank may be an actual number, such as ranked 30 out of 900 students, or a percentage like the top 5 percent of the graduating class. Cum laude is a Latin phrase that means “with praise/ honor.” Educational institutions use one of three phrases to signify academic degrees that were awarded with honor. The phrases usually are utilized by colleges and universities. Schools have different criteria that must be met for these honors. Summa cum laude is the highest level of distinction, magna cum laude is next and that is followed by cum laude. It is a great honor to be named valedictorian or salutatorian, and it is an honor worth celebrating at graduation and beyond.
Tossing caps in the air
The tossing of graduation caps in the air is believed to date back more than 100 years. Prior to 1912, graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy had to serve as midshipmen for two years before they were commissioned as officers. As a result, they still needed their graduation caps. But beginning with the class of 1912, graduates were automatically commissioned as officers, so they no longer needed their hats. That led the graduates to throw them in the air, thus beginning one of the more fun and photo-worthy graduation traditions.
“Pomp and Circumstance”
This tradition marked by the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance” is rooted in the work of William Shakespeare, which makes it seem like a perfect fit for graduation ceremonies. Sir Edward Elgar composed the song in 1901 and its title was inspired by a line in the bard’s “Othello.” Elgar received an honorary degree from Yale University in 1905, and during that ceremony “Pomp and Circumstance” was played. The song apparently made a strong impression, as it soon began to be played at various commencement ceremonies, a tradition that continues today. Business puts nature on the right tract
Certified therapy dog is a pawsitive influence
Historic Dixon Theatre: 100 years of quality throughout
The crown has been passed at Dixon High School
Plus ... Where Is It, in Dixon?
Pizzeria owner is one happy fella
Go on a map quest to Carroll County’s past
PLUS ... Where Is It? Carroll County
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081
When volunteers took on the task of rebuilding a crumbling piece of Mount Carroll’s history, they were determine d to leave no stone unturned
*****ECRWSSEDDM***** Postal Customer
The best burgers Shop has enough Candy lovers are just around knick-knacks have found their the corner to fill a Palace sweet spot
Leaf River store Chicks all the boxes
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081
*****ECRWSSEDDM***** Postal Customer
A local group has been the FACE of philanthropy in Fulton for more than a decade
A pair of River City-area revolutionaries witnessed the birth of a nation
Take a closer look and see if you can recognize some sites in Clinton and Fulton
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081
Page
14
Sauk Valley Media is proud to bring you local stories in our line of Living magazines. Published throughout the year and mailed directly to residents, our Living magazines feature the faces and places that make up the landscape of the Sauk Valley — friends and neighbors, businesses and industries, hometown history.
Carroll County Living Dixon Living Ogle County Living River City Living (Albany/ Fulton/Clinton, Iowa area)
Small-Town Living East (rural
*****ECRWSSEDDM***** Postal Customer
Ready for fun, player one? You’ll find it at a Rock Falls pub
We make it our business to talk about your business, in the Sauk Valley Business Journal Look into our Kaleidoscope and see stories that focus on the 50 and over crowd Our Ag Mag takes a look at what’s going on — and growing on — in the local farm community
Where there’s a Mill, there’s a way for crafters to be creative
Plus ... Where Is It, in Sterling?
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081
*****ECRWSSEDDM***** Postal Customer PHOTO COURTESY TANNER SKIFF
outside the
Lee County communities) Small-Town Living West (rural Whiteside County communities)
Grange finds common ground in America’s soil
Deer Grove business puts its own spin on sweetness
Couple has helped bring oodles of Doodles into the world
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081
A Sterling church is showing young people that mixed martial arts is about more than just getting their kicks; it’s about getting closer to God — and themselves
*****ECRWSSEDDM***** Postal Customer
Sterling-Rock Falls Living
Check out our other magazines, too ...
Ever wonder where Sterling parks got their names?
Want to read all about it? Go to saukvalley.com and click on the Online Newspaper link at the top of the page, then scroll down to the magazine rack to see our complete line of local magazines
Backtracking ... A look back at the history of Lee
Winter 2021
Business is near and beer to brewers’ hearts
Remembering Van Petten’s Mr. & Mrs. Mayor
Daughters tell the story of our nation
A FREE PUBLICATION OF
*****ECRWSSEDDM***** Postal Customer
Not anymore *****ECRWSSEDDM***** Postal Customer
People are raising a glass, and their spirits, at a Franklin Grove business they haven’t seen the likes of in more than 70 years: A bar
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
PrepScholar, a standardized testing preparation company, indicates that the valedictorian is the student who graduates with the highest cumulative grade point average of his or her class — the average of every year’s final grades. Grades from advanced placement classes are weighted to account for their rigor and extend extra points toward the GPA. Some schools do not immediately award the title to the highest-ranking student. They may ask students to apply for review and then consider various factors, including grades, level of academic program, essay submission, and even contribution to school and community life.
Graduation traditions: What’s the story?
GRADUATION SECTION
Valedictorians and salutatorians: What’s the difference?
21
Skye Allison
Marion Alvardo
Martin Arrezola
Lilly Baeza
Brady Baker
Carson Behrens
Paige Blackert
Baraka Boards
Javian Brown
Taylor Brown
Kaleb Bull
Peyton Burns
Haley Bush
Antonio Calderon
Gabriella Canas
Alec Cassens
Austin Cernich
Diego Cervantes
Kelsi Chavira
Darian Christian
Maverick Cid
Kylie Conkling
Haleigh Cox
Madison Cox
Booker Cross
Emma Cunniff
Brooke Danreiter
Josue DeLaTorre
Bryce Devers
Zachariah Flatt
Yasmin Flores
Ben Folgers
Meg Frank
Calin Gaulrapp
Hailey Gibson
Eden Glenn
Cara Goff
Tristan Goodman
Owen Hampton
Emma Hand
Jacob Harney
Victoria Harris
Trey Henry
Mariana Hernandez
Giovanni Herrera
Greet the future with anticipation.
Class of 2022! Michael Altschuler | Entreprenuer
Yoko Ono | Artist
SM-ST1975703
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
22
23
Jerrill Hill
Abbigail Hosler
Zoie Howard
Issaac Hull
Brody Johnson
Bryson Johnson
Jordan Jones
Lydea King
Lyden King
Carly Knapp
Corey Kolb
Mckenzy Kyger
Braxton Law
Tobias Lazio
Genti Lec
Hayden Lee
Gabriel Lewis
Erika Lilly
Matthew Marcum
Zachary Martin
Cameron Matejka
Sydney McCue
Matthew McGrady
Kelsie McKinzie
Matthew Megli
Abree Mendoza
Logan Mennie
Jasmine Mills
Elise Mireles
Lauryn Nardini
Easton Morgan
Paige Mulnix
Jayden Muntean
Bryson Murray
Autumn Nelson
Elijah Parker
Tyler Pessman
Owen Pillars
Adriana Pineda
Autumn Pinkous
Rosalinda Reyes
Kiara Rice
Paige Ripley
Manuel Rivera
Kailynn Roberts
Breanna Morgaon
Brayden Nelson
connopr Mullan
Michael Mullen
Lexadie Nelson-Denning
Dawson Newendyke
Joseph Parent
Mallory Pinske
Mason Poci
Araya Renkes
Anthony Reyes
Jolexy Rodriguez
Delicia Rosas
Dylan Rose
Dakota Roush
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Keagan Hicks
GRADUATION SECTION
Cooper Hewitt
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
24
Alexandra Royer
Jada Saffell
Devin Schultz
Cadence Stonitsch
Lauren Tupper
Sarah Williams
Maya Sands
Sloan Schutz
Annika Stuart
Tucker Velazquez
Sean Wilson
Dugan Schauff
Hannah Schwenk
Shayla Schmall
Raychel Scott
Marcus Surrena
Becka Ella Villo
Katie Witherow
Donald Schofield
Triston Shaw
Unique Tate
Alexis Virgili
Payhton Smith
Audric Thomas
Hailey Vos
Joshua Woodard
Lukas Schrader
Dillon Schueler
Ethan Smoot
Alexsandra Trevillyan
Valerie Warner
Dawson Woodyatt
Kaleb Warren
Tucker Young
Photo not available: Noah Anderson, Allan Furman, Alexis Krueger, Jaylon Reints
Brock Parker
Adisyn Schultz
Emily Spooner
Angelina Trujillo
Ellie Wasson
Michael Zigler
25
Colt Adams
Mason Adams
Ximena Aguilar
Anthony Amezola
Skye Ankney
Tori Arduini
Alejandro Arellano
Brooke Artman
Reiley Austin
Karsyn Bailey
Ashlei Behrens
Holly Behrens
Brenden Benters
Tyler Bielema
Jesseka Boyer
Aidan Buckingham
Jack Burall
Joycelyn Calderon
Cheyenne Cantu
Elizabeth Capes
Tania Carrizales
Keegan Castillo
Estefania Cayetano
Angelyna Chaidez
Chelsey Chatters
Lucia Chino
John Cid
Lucas Clark
Nolen Conrad
Courtney Crisp
Shae Cuplin-Jacobs
Jaelynn DeCrane
James DeSchepper Jr.
Chase Dehaven
Precious Dennison
Kylie Diaz
Luis Diaz
Ryan Dir
Alicia Dodge
Andrew Doughty
Corey Duncan
Alexis Echebarria
Constance Farrington
Samantha Feather
Elayna Felder
Miriam Feldman
Autum Flagg
Laelin Fossett
Jenica Francis
Isaiah Frias
Emiliano Gallardo
Jameika Galloway
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Baylee Adami
GRADUATION SECTION
Jiselle Abarca
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
26
Aaliyah Ganze
Emely Garces
Emma Garcia
Emmanuel Garcia
Hailey Garcia
Jesse Garcia
Mia Garcia
Sergio Garcia
Estella Gardner
Kaleb Gardner
Michael Garland
Annaliesse Garriott
Jaryn Garza
Selena Garza
Devin Gascoigne
Paige Geil
Nevaeh George
Jheniya Gibson
Sabrina Gisi
David Goebig
Janelle Gomez
Oscar Grande
Ashton Green
Dale Guerrieri
Tanner Habben-Crandall
Isaac Halverson
Noah Halverson
Sadie Hammer
Ashli Harrison
Allan Hernandez
Laura Heuser
Ireen Hilty
Dylan Howard
Eleanor Howell
Madison Hubbs
Jacob Huffman
Kyra Hulke
Spencer Hull
Charles Hurst Jr.
Ethan Janssen
Dameon Johnson
Demarri Johnson
Jozlyn Johnson
Lindsey Johnson
Taylor Johnson
Anonymous
Pablo Picasso | Artist
Barack Obama | U.S. President
27
Andrew Kested
Reese Kramer
Kaydence Larson
Ciceli Lawson
Kylie Lenninger
Cassandra Little
Kayden Loos
Calista Lopez
Celeste Lopez
Sevanah Lucas
Kierra Magana
Blake Majeski
Declan Malooly
Lilli Manon
Beckham Marquez-Mendez
Jakob Martinez
Owen Maxwell
Scott McPhillips
Ethan Melcher
Anna Meltzer
Caroline Mobarak
Aidan Mock
Logan Moreno
Meg Morgan
Sarah Navarro
conGRADulations! Wishing each graduate the very best on future adventures. FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS STERLING Ford-Lincoln Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM MORRISON MT. CARROLL
2811 N. Locust Street | 815.625.2290 3200 E. Lincolnway | 815.625.6300 627 E. Lincolnway | 815.772.2171 764 Commercial St. | 815.244.2121
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Libbi Kendrick
GRADUATION SECTION
Tyree Kelly
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
28
Kaya Nelson
Torrie Nelson
Blake Nettleton
Hector Olivas
Xavier Olivas
Felipe Olivo-Ledesma
Anna Ovalle
Elizabeth Palumbo
Nick Parvin
Michael Pearce
Lillian Peavy
Corey Phipps
Madelyn Pink
Isabelle Podolski
Gabrielle Pyron
Rayne Pyron
Adrianna Ramirez
Diana Ramirez
Xander Ramirez
Salvidor Ramos
Jordan Razo
Jaydon Redd
Edward Reyes
Gabriel Richards-Garza
Rebecca Riley
Sofia Rivera
Jaycee Roberts
We are proud of this year’s 2022 grads! You have worked so hard to get here and we know you will continue to shine even in difficult times!
SM-ST1975614
Pizza, Pasta and Italian Dishes Like No Other! Angelo’s 608 12th Ave., Rock Falls 815-625-5163
Angelo’s II 2525 E. Lincolnway, Sterling 815-625-5451
Angelo’s III 800 North Galena Ave., Dixon 815-285-0055
Angelo’s Delivery 1804 Locust St., Sterling 815-625-5000
29
Stephania Romero
Braeden Ruiz
Isabella Ruth
Carter Ryan
Marisa Salmon
Nathan Sanchez
Emyli Sandrock
Cameron Schneider
Laura Schwank
Timothy Schwank
Ashley Shank
Sophia Shaw
Thomas Shlafer
Kayleigh Sloter
Isabelle Smith
Brayden Snow
Daylen Stage
Nolan Stanley
Kaya Strohmayer
Brenda Tavares-Hernandez
Cameron Taylor
David Tessmann
Sydnee Thueson
Asia Tolefree
Lizbeth Valdivia
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AREA GRADUATES!
Best of luck on all your future endeavors! 100 E LeFevre Road, Sterling, IL
(815) 625-0400 www.cghmc.com
SM-ST1975467
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Santos Rodriguez-Hughes
GRADUATION SECTION
Keegan Roddy
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
30
Luke Valentino
Juan Vargas
Brayden Vereide
Bailey Warner
Karmen Weinrich
Nicholas Wheatley
Kayden Whitehead
Tabitha Whyte
Kailynn Wickham
Colin Wiemken
Ashley Williamson
Emma Wilson
Kailey Wolf
Taeya Wolf
Arben Xheka
Alexander Xique
Karime Zaca
Madisyn Zigler
Picture not available ... Nevaeh Ballard, Manuel Cano, Gabriel Castillo, Apryll Corona, Jevon Criss, Noah Davis, Blake DeLaFuente, Alicia Dodge, Destiny Doyle, Dylon Dunaven, Jason Farnham, Zaiken Fielding, McGuire Hilger, Ethan Janssen, Beckham Marquez-Mendez, Adrian Mcalister, Jakov Mekeel, Emma Miller-Hendrick, Gaven Nelson, Landyn Peltie, Anthony Rabadan, Peace Ramirez, Samuel Richards, Keymontay Silmon, Maricela Tabares, Kane Ulve, Darius Vaughn
415 Locust St. Suite B, Sterling
815-213-7401
See all homes at www.Bardier-Ramirez.com
Congratulations Adrianna Ramirez
We are so proud of you! Each outstanding student received a $1,250 award from Cornerstone Credit Union. Education is the cornerstone of a successful financial future. We wish these accomplished seniors a bright, successful journey ahead.
SM-ST1975615
Freeport | Sterling | South Beloit 800.711.3277 | cornerstonecu.org
Korinna Ramirez SM-ST1974103
31
Lauren Steinahuer
GRADUATION SECTION
Ty Bickelhaupt
Maizie Wicklund
MacKenzie Bentley
Eli Bird
Kester Bohnhorst
Nicholas Bork
Mariana Cabrera
Cora Collins
Brighton Dick
Paige Dick
Aspen Eissenga
Taylor Eissens
Chris Fairless
Tommie Falk
Ellinore Foltz
Victor Goss
Olivia Grant
Chloe Grater
Cheyenne Griffeth
Graduation: A day to cap off our time in high school — but why? Metro News Service
Graduation ceremonies are a tradition that dates back to the first high schools and universities. While many aspects of graduation ceremonies have evolved over the years, the graduation cap has remained a hallmark of such ceremonies. Graduation caps are one of the most visible aspects of graduation dress. Many scholars believe the mortarboard style cap graduates don was developed from the biretta, a similar-looking Italian hat worn by Roman Catholic clergy. In the 12th and 13th centuries, students and teachers typically wore clerical clothing because the church was highly influential at this time. Medieval universities helped inspire academic dress, including the familiar graduation cap. Mortarboards are shaped like a square, perhaps to give them a scholarly appearance like a book or to represent the shape of a quad on the campus of England’s Oxford University, where many
graduation dress customs are believed to have originated. Others theorize that the mortarboard, which is named after the flat board used by bricklayers and masons, represents the skill of a master workman. Many graduation caps were initially black or gray. According to the graduation information site Graduation Source, when color photography became the norm in the 20th century, schools began to use gowns and caps in different shades because they would show up in photographs. Schools often coordinate caps and gowns so their colors reflect their official school colors. While certain degrees warrant different styles of gown, cowls and hoods, mortarboard caps are relatively standard. In addition to the cap, there is a single button at the top. Tassels hang from these buttons. At commencement, tassels are traditionally worn on the right side of the cap and then moved to the left once graduates receive their diplomas. Graduation caps are part of the larger scope of academic dress that comprises school traditions. Millions of graduates across the globe will don their caps and toss them into the air later in celebration of their hard work.
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
Haley Bennett
Sauk Valley Media/ SaukValley.com • Saturday, May 7, 2022
GRADUATION SECTION
32
Colin Guinzler
Tyvan Hartson
Dane Heidenreich
Kylie Hill
Alexis Law
Natalie Limesand
Erika Lindstrom
Ian McCombie
Erika Rice
Timothy Roach
Luca Salis
Degan Sedivy
Richard Tostado
Nathan Veith
Serenity Verdadero
Laura Holm
Emily Watkins
Faith Hovious
Josie McCombie
Skarlett Mccutcheon
Anthony Shaw
Raven Siegmeier
Hannah Wilkinson
Krystina Irvine
Thomas Johnson
Autum Koster
Kailie Parks
Brianna Preston
Amost Pritchard
Noel Randecker
Ashton St. Ores-Knight
Nate Stephens
Katlynn Stretton
Gabriel Themas-Smith
Jaxon Wilson
Cameron Wisely
Grace Wulf
Geniva Zach
Graduation gowns’ origins date back centuries Metro News Service
Graduation ceremonies are steeped in tradition, the most noticeable of which may be the caps and gowns worn by students as they stepup get their degrees. This attire likely dates back to 12th century Europe, when students would wear hoods and gowns that resembled those worn by their teachers, who were members of the clergy. According to Colo-
rado State University, in 1321 a statute of the University of Coimbra in Portugal declared that all “Doctors, Licentiates, and Bachelors” wear gowns. That means the tradition of wearing a graduation gown is more than 700 years old. Hoods, caps and gowns not only signified a certain status of the students wearing them, but they also served a more practical purpose, helping to keep students warm in the unheated buildings where they were being taught. Ironically, many modern graduates, particularly those whose graduation ceremonies are held outdoors, may lament that their caps and gowns make them feel hot, but it’s a small price to pay to symbolize a once-in-a-lifetime day.