The Spartan Update
September 25, 2026
- Order your 2027 yearbook at the following link: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01949300.
- Attention juniors and seniors: a college representative from Eastern Illinois University will be here to speak to interested students on Tuesday September 29th during Spartan Time in room 111. Sign up in the guidance office if interested.
- Negative lunch balances are out of control. Please check your student's lunch balance and cover the negative balance ASAP!
Child Growth & Development with Mrs. Smith
Accelerated Geometry with Mr. Duval
Senior Studio with Mr. Beccue
Senior Leyah Griffin starts her new senior studio art project using mixed media. The class just finished doing a black paper drawing.
Spanish 1 with Mrs. Grussing
American History with Mr. Schacht
In Mr. Schacht's American History class, they are doing a review to prepare for their test. He asked each side of the class questions to get points before starting the test.
Business Law with Mr. Skinner
Strength with Mr. Pruemer
In Mr. Pruemer's 1A strength class, senior Aiden Hundley is working out. He and senior Kaiden Wedig were taking with Mr. Pruemer about their Homecoming Week while doing the workout they were assigned. Aiden said, “I had a fun time dancing and taking pictures at my last homecoming.”
English 2 with Mrs. Carlin
In Mrs. Carlin’s English 2 class sophomore Chloe Nirider asks a question about an assignment. Mrs. Carlin was able to help her and she got an A+ on the assignment.
Biology with Mr. Mansfield
Freshman Landon Umbarger works on biology homework in Mr. Mansfield’s biology class; they are currently studying cell parts. They were working hard on this unit because it is one of the hardest units of the semester. Landon said he is liking the unit so far because the microscopes are fun to work with and the cells show a very cool picture.
Intro to Ag with Mrs. Nekolny
Chorus with Mr. Waterson
On September 24, Mr. Waterson’s Chorus class is practicing music for their first concert of the year. They were all excited and ready for this concert.
FFA
Member of the FFA travel to Pesotum to analyze this hole in the ground, collect soil, identify the soil, take notes and present it to the judges. They looked at the soil to determine the composition of it and also looked to see if it was a potential spot where flooding occurs. Our FFA club all did great presenting to the judges, sophomore Avery Haley ended up with a first place finish and will be moving on to state.
Officer Hallett, the school resource officer, says that his favorite part of homecoming week is the dance. This year, Officer Hallett is retiring, so he decided to have a little extra fun. “My favorite part was going out and dancing with the students. Mr. Mansfield and I had a blast.”
On September 22, during Mrs. Smith’s Child Growth and Development I class, junior Greta Goldenstein says her favorite part of homecoming week is Spartan Olympics. She said, “I also have such a fun time playing the games with my friends.”
Sophomore Charlene Barbee said, “My favorite part of Homecoming Week was the dance, not only because the music was great and lifted the vibe, but I also got to spend time with my friends and dance with them, which was very important to me.”
After the Spartans won the Homecoming Varsity football game, junior Michaela Morrison, and sophomores Ava Price and Callie Barnett take a picture together. The three girls said that they really enjoyed the game, and are glad they went together.
The sophomore Spartan Olympic team spent the night making memories together during homecoming week. The team had a ton of fun throughout the night with the games and showing school spirit.
Sophomores Tabby Brown and Charlee Christians excitedly capture a picture in front of the beautiful sunset after their Homecoming dinner at Casa del Mar on September 19. Charlee said, “I did not even get the chance to step out of the restaurant before I could hear Tabby and her mom yelling my name to get a picture before it went away. I almost broke an ankle running in my heels but it was worth it.”
The senior class poses for a picture in the main gym after taking the victory at Spartan Olympics. On Thursday, September 17, these seniors battled the other grades in various games inside the school. These games have been a Homecoming tradition for many years, and Student Council is proud to carry on the tradition. After many years of coming up short, the seniors finally ended homecoming week with a win.
The senior Maroon Platoon members: Mia Jones, Hayden Dahl, Thomas Ware, Lily Ahart, Lizzie Clark, Sophie Schmitz, Donaven Bohlen, and Adam Marschke show school spirit at the Homecoming blackout football game. Everyone was so excited for the game as the Spartans took on Rantoul and won 68-8.
On September 15, before first period, seniors Ava Smoot, Faith Jackson, and Iris Davis dress up in country club clothing for Country Club vs. Country dress up day. Faith said, “It was funny to see everyone in fancy outfits for this day.”
On September 18, two best friends sophomores Allie Marschke and Jillian Davis hug for a photo at the homecoming game. The girls had so much fun getting ready and dressing for the blackout theme prior to the game. They said, “Going to the games and getting to be around our friends in the student sections, while also cheering on our team, is really the best part.”
Just before the Homecoming dance, a group of freshmen sit together, eating chips and salsa at Toro Loco while waiting for their main courses. The freshmen had dinner at the Toro Loco in Urbana around 6:30, which was two hours before the big dance at 8:30, giving them plenty of time to make it back to St. Joseph for their first Homecoming.
Sophomore Reid Bewley announces at Spartan Olympics during Homecoming Week. In this position, he was able to fire up the classes participating, and motivate the students with his encouragement on the mic. Reid even got to be the one that told the seniors that they won the whole thing, which only made the class even more excited.
Freshmen Brynn Randolph, Cali Argo, and Elliette Miller pose at the homecoming dance with ties and no shoes. They had a lot of fun and enjoyed their night at their first Homecoming Dance.
Sophomores Mia Miller, Teagan Blacker, Ella Mohr, Kelsie Harms, and Emma O’Herron are having a very fun time at Spartan Olympics during hoco week. Even though it got moved to the gym at the last minute due to rain they still had a great time.
Freshman Devin Loschen is getting the freshman class ready for Spartan Olympics. The games got moved inside because of the weather. Devin was very excited and even started jumping on the tables to get everybody prepared for the upcoming games. The freshman went on to get 4th place but still had an awesome time.
Football
The Spartans have an absolute hay day as they take down the Rantoul Eagles on their home turf, beating them 68-8 on the night of the homecoming game. The stands echoed with cheers the entire game as the players gave a real show. The Spartans now have a 5-0 record. Come support the football team Friday as the Spartans will take on Monticello at Monticello High School.
Tennis
Senior Madison Farber and sophomore Sydney Farber play tennis together during the school season. The sisters competed as a team on the court, worked together and supported each other throughout the match.
Cross Country
Soccer
Golf
The Varsity Golf team competed at the conference meet and took 8th place overall. The Varsity team included juniors Conlan Gill and Garrett Loschen, seniors Tripp Palmer and Finn Miller, and freshmen Noah Resendiz and Calvin Clem. Garrett placed 9th on his solo. The golf team has regionals next week.
Volleyball
Cheer
On September 22, seniors Peighton Reim, Ava Smoot, Iris Davis and sophomore Addison Walsh were at their coach's house playing an affirmation game during team bonding. Ava said, “It was so much fun and I enjoy hanging out with my team outside of practice!”