Sixty-four Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) seniors in the graduating class of 2026 received scholarships totaling more than $140,000 awarded during the 2026 Honors Night event held in the OTHS auditorium Wednesday, May 6th.
“The generosity and commitment from the award and scholarship donors continues to provide a legacy for all those remembered and honored. We are truly grateful for all the support of our graduating seniors," says OTHS Principal Pat Leonard.
In addition to recognizing 19 Illinois State Scholars, eight OTHS Educational Foundation Students of the Month, three State of Illinois Seal of Biliteracy recipients, two Commendation of the Seal of Biliteracy awardees, five recipients of awards sponsored by the United States Marine Corps, the honoree of the Bausch and Lomb Science Award and the winner of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award, the faculty and staff of OTHS are grateful for the support of the following families, organizations, institutions and companies who participated in creating and distributing scholarships announced during this year’s Honors Night ceremonies:
- RALPH BOWERMASTER FAMILY TRUST
- PHIL SCHOCH TRUST FUND SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA NOON ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA SUNRISE ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP
- PERSONAL GROWTH SCHOLARSHIP
- CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP
- MARGARET REMINGTON DINGLE ART AWARD
- DON E. MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP
- DEAN L. CASHMAN ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP
- MINNIE AND LADDIE TONIELLI SCHOLARSHIP
- TYLER “TC” CARSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA MASONIC LODGE SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA WOMAN’S CLUB OTHS SCHOLARSHIP
- MARY EWERS FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
- ALEXANDER K. & VIRGINIA G. SCHERER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
- FINANCIAL PLUS CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP
- VACTOR MANUFACTURING, INC SCHOLARSHIP
- BETTY HIBBS SCHOTT & ROBERT K. SCHOTT SCHOLARSHIP
- CONSTELLATION LASALLE CO CLEAN ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP
- EILEEN FESCO ZONTA CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
- US SILICA SCHOLARSHIP
- KERRY CONDRON “A GOOD LIFE” SCHOLARSHIP
- ONYX SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP
- KATE ROWE WIELGOPOLAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- ILLINOIS COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS AWARD
- ALI STEVENSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- RICHARD H. DONNOCKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA KIWANIS KEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
- BUD SAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- VICKIE HESS ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- RALPH NELSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- DON STEVENSON/LIONS CLUB MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- JIM GAYAN MEMORIAL CHARITABLE SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
- ROGER AND JUNE ROWE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- WILLIAM J. REAGAN CHEMISTRY/FINE ARTS AWARD
- REBECCA ATEN MEMORIAL ART SCHOLARSHIP
- RICH ROBERTS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- JENNIFER RHODE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- JENAN JOBST MEMORIAL TRUST SCHOLARSHIP
- DR. ROBERT O. LEWIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- ALEXANDER GUY WILLIAM MUIR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- MARK MASON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- OTHSEA CENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- JOSEPH HOHNER SCHOLARSHIP
- CAROL HYLIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- RAY AND VINA ROWE VOCATIONAL/TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
- JEAN REUTHER SCHOLARSHIP
- PETER F. FERRACUTI FUTURE ADVOCATE SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA BUSINESS BUILDERS FUTURE ENTREPRENEUR SCHOLARSHIP
- OTHS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA TWP. HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1970 CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
- THOMAS H. MOORE ILLINOIS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- STREATOR ONIZED CREDIT UNION (SOCU)
- AARON M. RICK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- TOM AND LYN HENDERSON SCHOLARSHIP
- JERRY BRETAG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- RICHARD POPE PRIZE
- NATALIE CLAIRE CONRAD MEMORIAL FOUNDATION SOCCER SCHOLARSHIP
- KEN CURL AWARD
- OTHS BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
- BABE RUTH SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
“The generosity and commitment from the award and scholarship donors continues to provide a legacy for all those remembered and honored. We are truly grateful for all the support of our graduating seniors," says OTHS Principal Pat Leonard.
In addition to recognizing 19 Illinois State Scholars, eight OTHS Educational Foundation Students of the Month, three State of Illinois Seal of Biliteracy recipients, two Commendation of the Seal of Biliteracy awardees, five recipients of awards sponsored by the United States Marine Corps, the honoree of the Bausch and Lomb Science Award and the winner of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award, the faculty and staff of OTHS are grateful for the support of the following families, organizations, institutions and companies who participated in creating and distributing scholarships announced during this year’s Honors Night ceremonies:
- RALPH BOWERMASTER FAMILY TRUST
- PHIL SCHOCH TRUST FUND SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA NOON ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA SUNRISE ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP
- PERSONAL GROWTH SCHOLARSHIP
- CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP
- MARGARET REMINGTON DINGLE ART AWARD
- DON E. MOREHEAD SCHOLARSHIP
- DEAN L. CASHMAN ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP
- MINNIE AND LADDIE TONIELLI SCHOLARSHIP
- TYLER “TC” CARSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA MASONIC LODGE SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA WOMAN’S CLUB OTHS SCHOLARSHIP
- MARY EWERS FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
- ALEXANDER K. & VIRGINIA G. SCHERER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
- FINANCIAL PLUS CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP
- VACTOR MANUFACTURING, INC SCHOLARSHIP
- BETTY HIBBS SCHOTT & ROBERT K. SCHOTT SCHOLARSHIP
- CONSTELLATION LASALLE CO CLEAN ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP
- EILEEN FESCO ZONTA CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
- US SILICA SCHOLARSHIP
- KERRY CONDRON “A GOOD LIFE” SCHOLARSHIP
- ONYX SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP
- KATE ROWE WIELGOPOLAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- ILLINOIS COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS AWARD
- ALI STEVENSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- RICHARD H. DONNOCKER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA KIWANIS KEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
- BUD SAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- VICKIE HESS ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- RALPH NELSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- DON STEVENSON/LIONS CLUB MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- JIM GAYAN MEMORIAL CHARITABLE SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
- ROGER AND JUNE ROWE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- WILLIAM J. REAGAN CHEMISTRY/FINE ARTS AWARD
- REBECCA ATEN MEMORIAL ART SCHOLARSHIP
- RICH ROBERTS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- JENNIFER RHODE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- JENAN JOBST MEMORIAL TRUST SCHOLARSHIP
- DR. ROBERT O. LEWIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- ALEXANDER GUY WILLIAM MUIR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- MARK MASON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- OTHSEA CENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- JOSEPH HOHNER SCHOLARSHIP
- CAROL HYLIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- RAY AND VINA ROWE VOCATIONAL/TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
- JEAN REUTHER SCHOLARSHIP
- PETER F. FERRACUTI FUTURE ADVOCATE SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA BUSINESS BUILDERS FUTURE ENTREPRENEUR SCHOLARSHIP
- OTHS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP
- OTTAWA TWP. HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1970 CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
- THOMAS H. MOORE ILLINOIS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- STREATOR ONIZED CREDIT UNION (SOCU)
- AARON M. RICK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- TOM AND LYN HENDERSON SCHOLARSHIP
- JERRY BRETAG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
- RICHARD POPE PRIZE
- NATALIE CLAIRE CONRAD MEMORIAL FOUNDATION SOCCER SCHOLARSHIP
- KEN CURL AWARD
- OTHS BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
- BABE RUTH SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
The Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) administration and staff are proud to recognize the first students from OTHS to earn the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy.
The State of Illinois awards the Seal of Biliteracy to high school seniors achieving a high level of proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. OTHS Seniors Andrea Espinoza, Kathysha Perez and Xina Perez achieved this distinction during the 2025-2026 academic year. OTHS Seniors Perla Gutierrez and Paul Stallman received the Commendation of the Seal of Biliteracy which recognizes students making significant progress towards that proficiency. All five students were recognized during the 2026 Honors Night event in the OTHS auditorium May 6th.
“It honors the different cultures and languages that we celebrate in our school and community,” says OTHS Assistant Principal Jessica Gass. “This achievement may be attained by any student with a qualifying score on the approved Illinois State Standard Assessments,” Gass explained. “In addition to college credit, the Seal of Biliteracy is an outstanding credential for future career opportunities.”
According to the Illinois School Code, the State Seal of Biliteracy is equivalent to two years of high school instruction in a foreign language and qualifies for credit at Illinois public community colleges and universities which are required to establish criteria to transfer the Seal of Biliteracy into course credits at their qualifying institutions.
Students at OTHS who achieve the Seal of Biliteracy are recognized at Honors Night and at OTHS graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy or Commendation of the language will also appear on their diploma and transcript.
The State of Illinois awards the Seal of Biliteracy to high school seniors achieving a high level of proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. OTHS Seniors Andrea Espinoza, Kathysha Perez and Xina Perez achieved this distinction during the 2025-2026 academic year. OTHS Seniors Perla Gutierrez and Paul Stallman received the Commendation of the Seal of Biliteracy which recognizes students making significant progress towards that proficiency. All five students were recognized during the 2026 Honors Night event in the OTHS auditorium May 6th.
“It honors the different cultures and languages that we celebrate in our school and community,” says OTHS Assistant Principal Jessica Gass. “This achievement may be attained by any student with a qualifying score on the approved Illinois State Standard Assessments,” Gass explained. “In addition to college credit, the Seal of Biliteracy is an outstanding credential for future career opportunities.”
According to the Illinois School Code, the State Seal of Biliteracy is equivalent to two years of high school instruction in a foreign language and qualifies for credit at Illinois public community colleges and universities which are required to establish criteria to transfer the Seal of Biliteracy into course credits at their qualifying institutions.
Students at OTHS who achieve the Seal of Biliteracy are recognized at Honors Night and at OTHS graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy or Commendation of the language will also appear on their diploma and transcript.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) hosted a quarterly Student Recognition Breakfast Tuesday, May 12th. The event, sponsored by the OTHS Class of 1970 this quarter, recognizes students nominated by faculty and staff at OTHS for their exceptional character throughout the school and for their work in the classroom.
The following students were honored for their outstanding achievements:
Science Department Students of the Month:
Brooklyn Byone, Senior
Bryer Harris, Junior
Lillian Clayton, Sophomore
Wren Harris, Freshman
Science Department Students of Integrity:
Ava Weatherford, Senior
Kaden Konwinski, Junior
Libee Hoffman, Sophomore
Bodie Martin, Freshman
Exceptional Programs Students of the Month:
Perla Gutierrez, Senior
Lorain Dobson, Junior
Jackson Witte, Sophomore
Nathan Worby, Freshman
Exceptional Programs Students of Integrity:
Kaylee Santoy-Ceja, Senior
Fabiola Perez, Junior
Ashley Carnes, Sophomore
Jonathan “Jack” Hamalle, Freshman
The following students were honored for their outstanding achievements:
Science Department Students of the Month:
Brooklyn Byone, Senior
Bryer Harris, Junior
Lillian Clayton, Sophomore
Wren Harris, Freshman
Science Department Students of Integrity:
Ava Weatherford, Senior
Kaden Konwinski, Junior
Libee Hoffman, Sophomore
Bodie Martin, Freshman
Exceptional Programs Students of the Month:
Perla Gutierrez, Senior
Lorain Dobson, Junior
Jackson Witte, Sophomore
Nathan Worby, Freshman
Exceptional Programs Students of Integrity:
Kaylee Santoy-Ceja, Senior
Fabiola Perez, Junior
Ashley Carnes, Sophomore
Jonathan “Jack” Hamalle, Freshman
The Ottawa Township High School Band and Ottawa Township High School Choirs recently received their 2026 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class A Music Sweepstakes 3rd place trophy.
This achievement marks the 40th time OTHS has finished in the top 3 of its class in the 54-year history of the competition.
This achievement marks the 40th time OTHS has finished in the top 3 of its class in the 54-year history of the competition.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) is proud to celebrate the distinguished careers of eleven members of the staff who retire at the end of this school year:
Mark Andrews
Eric Burden
Kevin Cavanaugh
Mark Cooper
Kevin Francis
Steve Johnson
Pat Leonard
Janet Pearson
Marla Phillips
Kim Swords
Trent Swords
Please join us in honoring these dedicated professionals as they begin a well deserved retirement!
Mark Andrews
Eric Burden
Kevin Cavanaugh
Mark Cooper
Kevin Francis
Steve Johnson
Pat Leonard
Janet Pearson
Marla Phillips
Kim Swords
Trent Swords
Please join us in honoring these dedicated professionals as they begin a well deserved retirement!
16 teachers and staff were honored for their dedicated service to Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) at a recent staff recognition event.
The following OTHS employees have completed ten years of service or more:
30 Years:
Matt Gross
Brad Johnson
Bryan Leonard
25 Years:
Sue Arbisi
Erin Hanley
Lisa Kerestes
Kelly Marmion
Steve Springer
20 Years:
Sarah Heuser
15 Years:
Kevin Anderson
Barb Cheli
Owen Hampson
10 Years:
Andrew Amm
Andrew Jacobi
Jarrett Papineau
Chase Riva
The following OTHS employees have completed ten years of service or more:
30 Years:
Matt Gross
Brad Johnson
Bryan Leonard
25 Years:
Sue Arbisi
Erin Hanley
Lisa Kerestes
Kelly Marmion
Steve Springer
20 Years:
Sarah Heuser
15 Years:
Kevin Anderson
Barb Cheli
Owen Hampson
10 Years:
Andrew Amm
Andrew Jacobi
Jarrett Papineau
Chase Riva
The Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) Music Department finished 3rd in the 2026 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class A Music Sweepstakes. The OTHS bands and choirs participating in the IHSA Solo and Ensemble and Organizational Contests scored a combined 807 points, which marks the 40th time OTHS has placed in the top 3 in its class in the 54-year history of the IHSA Music Sweepstakes.
“Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, Treble Choir, and Crimson Choir all got all Division I (Superior) Ratings,” explained OTHS Band Director Andrew Jacobi. “It’s the third time that has happened in my 10 years at the school.”
90 OTHS music students competed in 100 events during the Solo and Ensemble Contest part of the competition March 7th at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School before the full music department headed to Kewanee High School for the Organizational portion that was supposed to begin Friday, April 17th.
“A challenge that the choirs had to face was that we were suddenly rescheduled to Day 2 of Organizational Contest due to the weather,” said OTHS Choral Director Ali Stachowicz. The performances resumed Saturday April 18th. “It ended up being all the more exciting and special that all three choirs were awarded Division I’s, because the students rose to the occasion against those circumstances."
“One of our biggest goals throughout the contest is providing our students with quality musical experiences,” says Jacobi, who stressed a primary goal for the band and choirs transcends how they score in the competition. “Our main focus is to grow our students into stronger musicians,” he said. “The biggest win for us is the quality music we made along the way and the bonds our students made with each other through the process.”
High school music programs across 5 different classes (AA, A, B, C, D) compete in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest and the IHSA Music Organizational Contest. The highest combined score from both events determines the State Champion. Since the IHSA State Music Championship series began in 1972, OTHS has collected 22 total IHSA State Music Championships, six runner-up awards, and twelve 3rd place finishes.
The Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) Automotive Vocational Education program recently secured a $16,500 matching donation from the OTHS Educational Foundation to help purchase a new Hunter Hawkeye Elite alignment machine.
“This is what they'll see when they actually enter the workforce,” says OTHS Automotive Technology teacher John Hladovcak. “There are different brands, but the Hunter elite system that we have is probably the most prevalent that's out there in the real world,” he explained. “Once (the students) get through a couple of alignments, they start to gain confidence. I can put them on a particular alignment. I can walk away and typically they end up being able to do the alignment on their own.”
Students began using the new alignment machine in March. Hladovcak says about 60 students each year will have an opportunity to use the equipment in several different vocational education classes OTHS offers. “This kind of stuff attracts kids to the program, knowing that they got the right technology to learn from here,” he says. “I have top of the line wheel balancers, tire machines, and now an alignment machine. There’s not a tool that we don't have.”
Having access to modern equipment helps students adapt to new technology in an industry that continues to evolve, says Hladovcak. “My classroom is not traditional. They don't have to sit and look at a book,” he admits. “We are out in the shop. They come out here and they actually do it. Artificial intelligence has really changed the game in the way that we diagnose and work on cars. But that's just the diagnosis. We still need kids and people to actually turn the wrenches.”
“This is what they'll see when they actually enter the workforce,” says OTHS Automotive Technology teacher John Hladovcak. “There are different brands, but the Hunter elite system that we have is probably the most prevalent that's out there in the real world,” he explained. “Once (the students) get through a couple of alignments, they start to gain confidence. I can put them on a particular alignment. I can walk away and typically they end up being able to do the alignment on their own.”
Students began using the new alignment machine in March. Hladovcak says about 60 students each year will have an opportunity to use the equipment in several different vocational education classes OTHS offers. “This kind of stuff attracts kids to the program, knowing that they got the right technology to learn from here,” he says. “I have top of the line wheel balancers, tire machines, and now an alignment machine. There’s not a tool that we don't have.”
Having access to modern equipment helps students adapt to new technology in an industry that continues to evolve, says Hladovcak. “My classroom is not traditional. They don't have to sit and look at a book,” he admits. “We are out in the shop. They come out here and they actually do it. Artificial intelligence has really changed the game in the way that we diagnose and work on cars. But that's just the diagnosis. We still need kids and people to actually turn the wrenches.”
When Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) drama director Brian Scheppler was searching for a fun and whimsical production to stage at OTHS, he wanted something new and different, yet familiar. He immediately saw potential in one particular title while flipping through a catalog. “I read the description,” he says and immediately bought the script. “I read it and laughed the entire time I was reading it.”
That laugh-inducing script is “Fairycakes” which debuts on the OTHS auditorium stage April 24th. “This is a chance to do Shakespeare without doing Shakespeare,” Scheppler explains. “It basically takes a Midsummer Night's Dream. You've got fairies from Titania’s court that all have day jobs. And hilarity ensues.”
The play, penned by Douglas Carter Beane, is outlined by Broadway World as: “One night in the woods, puckish mischief leads to mismatched lovers from across all your favorite stories. And what begins as love at first sprite, grows into something more as the feelings from one midsummer night carry over to the bright light of day.”
Scheppler says you don’t have to be fan or student of Shakespeare to enjoy the production.
“It's a rhyme,” says sophomore Marley Deddo who plays the parts of Titania and Elizabeth 1. She hopes audiences to the OTHS production learn something about Shakespeare’s characters. “I want them to get a better idea of the characters beyond what Midsummer Night's Dream said about them,” she says.
“It's kind of like a Disney-ish adaptation,” says junior Payton Taylor who plays the parts of the cricket and the changeling. “I want the audience to really just have a good laugh to immerse themselves into the play, enjoy it and just feel good putting themselves out there and coming to watch us do our thing.”
Freshman Mitchell Macias takes the OTHS stage in “Fairycakes” portraying the dual roles of Oberon the King of Fairies and Dirk Dead Eye. “I just want the audience to have a good time with it,” says Macias. “It doesn't take itself seriously. It's meant to be really funny.”
“To quote Willy Wonka, ‘A little nonsense now and then binds us to the wisest men,” says director Scheppler, who hopes the joy his cast is having in rehearsing this play helps deliver an enduring message to audiences that come to their performances. “There's an underlying theme of love. Love yourself, love who you are. Don't be afraid of loving somebody around you.”
“Fairycakes” opens on Friday, April 24tht at 7PM in the OTHS auditorium. The Saturday April 25th performance also begins at 7PM. Tickets are $5 each for students, senior citizens, military and first responders. General admission is $10 per ticket and can be purchased at the doors.
That laugh-inducing script is “Fairycakes” which debuts on the OTHS auditorium stage April 24th. “This is a chance to do Shakespeare without doing Shakespeare,” Scheppler explains. “It basically takes a Midsummer Night's Dream. You've got fairies from Titania’s court that all have day jobs. And hilarity ensues.”
The play, penned by Douglas Carter Beane, is outlined by Broadway World as: “One night in the woods, puckish mischief leads to mismatched lovers from across all your favorite stories. And what begins as love at first sprite, grows into something more as the feelings from one midsummer night carry over to the bright light of day.”
Scheppler says you don’t have to be fan or student of Shakespeare to enjoy the production.
“It's a rhyme,” says sophomore Marley Deddo who plays the parts of Titania and Elizabeth 1. She hopes audiences to the OTHS production learn something about Shakespeare’s characters. “I want them to get a better idea of the characters beyond what Midsummer Night's Dream said about them,” she says.
“It's kind of like a Disney-ish adaptation,” says junior Payton Taylor who plays the parts of the cricket and the changeling. “I want the audience to really just have a good laugh to immerse themselves into the play, enjoy it and just feel good putting themselves out there and coming to watch us do our thing.”
Freshman Mitchell Macias takes the OTHS stage in “Fairycakes” portraying the dual roles of Oberon the King of Fairies and Dirk Dead Eye. “I just want the audience to have a good time with it,” says Macias. “It doesn't take itself seriously. It's meant to be really funny.”
“To quote Willy Wonka, ‘A little nonsense now and then binds us to the wisest men,” says director Scheppler, who hopes the joy his cast is having in rehearsing this play helps deliver an enduring message to audiences that come to their performances. “There's an underlying theme of love. Love yourself, love who you are. Don't be afraid of loving somebody around you.”
“Fairycakes” opens on Friday, April 24tht at 7PM in the OTHS auditorium. The Saturday April 25th performance also begins at 7PM. Tickets are $5 each for students, senior citizens, military and first responders. General admission is $10 per ticket and can be purchased at the doors.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) District 140 extends its deepest appreciation to Mr. John Levy for his exemplary service as a member of the OTHS Board of Education from 2015 to 2026.
Mr. Levy is a proud 1971 OTHS graduate who also served for 34 years as an employee of the professional staff of OTHS. He retired as OTHS Director of Custodians in 2013.
Elected in 2015, Mr. Levy guided the district during an 11-year tenure as a member of the OTHS Board of Education, extending his overall length of service and involvement with the OTHS learning community to nearly 50 years.
On behalf of the past and present members of the OTHS administration, faculty, staff, and the many students he served, the OTHS Board of Education expresses its sincerest gratitude to Mr. Levy for his unwavering dedication and contributions to OTHS during a distinguished career.
Mr. Levy is a proud 1971 OTHS graduate who also served for 34 years as an employee of the professional staff of OTHS. He retired as OTHS Director of Custodians in 2013.
Elected in 2015, Mr. Levy guided the district during an 11-year tenure as a member of the OTHS Board of Education, extending his overall length of service and involvement with the OTHS learning community to nearly 50 years.
On behalf of the past and present members of the OTHS administration, faculty, staff, and the many students he served, the OTHS Board of Education expresses its sincerest gratitude to Mr. Levy for his unwavering dedication and contributions to OTHS during a distinguished career.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) Senior Brooklyn Byone is the recipient of the OTHS Educational Foundation Student of the Month Leadership Award for April. She was selected for the honor from the Science Department of OTHS.
“Brooklyn is an exceptional student whose maturity, work ethic, and character consistently exceed those of her peers,” her science teachers remarked in their nomination for the award. “She leaves a lasting impression on both her classmates and teachers. Her dedication, time management skills, and positive demeanor elevate every classroom she joins.”
“Throughout her time at Ottawa Township High School, Brooklyn has earned academic all-conference honors as a four-year athlete in both soccer and tennis—achieving conference titles and qualifying for state competition. She has also served in leadership roles for our Honor Society, Character Counts Club, Future Medical Professionals Club, and Foreign Language Club,” they said.
“Brooklyn has balanced these commitments while maintaining the highest class rank in the school. She has worked multiple local jobs and volunteered extensively—coaching in our award-winning community soccer program, refereeing games, and assisting at concession stands. Her ability to manage such a demanding schedule with grace and excellence speaks volumes about her character and drive. Brooklyn is a remarkable student, and we are excited to see the incredible things she will do in the future.”
All recipients honored as a Student of the Month receive a $250 award from the OTHS Educational Foundation and are granted use of a preferred parking space at OTHS among other benefits.
“Brooklyn is an exceptional student whose maturity, work ethic, and character consistently exceed those of her peers,” her science teachers remarked in their nomination for the award. “She leaves a lasting impression on both her classmates and teachers. Her dedication, time management skills, and positive demeanor elevate every classroom she joins.”
“Throughout her time at Ottawa Township High School, Brooklyn has earned academic all-conference honors as a four-year athlete in both soccer and tennis—achieving conference titles and qualifying for state competition. She has also served in leadership roles for our Honor Society, Character Counts Club, Future Medical Professionals Club, and Foreign Language Club,” they said.
“Brooklyn has balanced these commitments while maintaining the highest class rank in the school. She has worked multiple local jobs and volunteered extensively—coaching in our award-winning community soccer program, refereeing games, and assisting at concession stands. Her ability to manage such a demanding schedule with grace and excellence speaks volumes about her character and drive. Brooklyn is a remarkable student, and we are excited to see the incredible things she will do in the future.”
All recipients honored as a Student of the Month receive a $250 award from the OTHS Educational Foundation and are granted use of a preferred parking space at OTHS among other benefits.
Incoming Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) football coach Jared Mundt says finding an inspirational motto for a team at the center of Pirate Nation was easy.
“One Ship, One Crew,” he explained during a recent interview after first meeting with players on the 2026 squad. He told his new team the motto is more than just a nod to the well-known transportation method of pirates. “I thought that the idea and the metaphor of the ship and the crew is not only very fitting with us being the Pirates, but also it kind of gives them a picture in their head of what that should look like.”
The goal, says Mundt, is to get the team working together, efficiently, like a ship’s crew. “As coaches, we're going to be the driving force - like the wind,” he says, “but it's up to them and the crew what they're going to do with the sails, how well they're going to work together when a storm comes, like when we struggle in a game or in a half. It's gonna be up to them and their crew on how they're gonna handle those situations.”
As he takes the helm of the Pirate ship from coach Chad Gross who is moving into his new role as OTHS Athletic Director, Mundt is no stranger to Pirate Nation. He led the Pirates as Quarterback in 2004 and 2005 under the direction of OTHS Hall of Fame Coach Tim Jobst. After graduating from OTHS in 2006, Mundt played under center for two different NCAA Division III college teams, first for the Monmouth College Scots and then the Concordia University Chicago Cougars.
He brought that college level experience to LaSalle-Peru High School, where Mundt worked as a math teacher and served on the football coaching staff of the Cavaliers who lead the historic rivalry against Ottawa 73-50-5 since their first matchup in 1897. As quarterback for OTHS in 2005, Mundt led the Pirates to a 12-0 victory against L-P, one of the few wins for OTHS in the rivalry during the last 25 years.
While L-P has claimed victory over OTHS in their matchups since 2015, in Mundt’s mind the only record that matters is the one ahead. “That’s the streak I’m concerned with, not the past, but this year’s team,” Mundt says he told his new players. “It’s great to be aware of and learn from the past, but never to dwell on it. We are going to change the culture, mindset, and mentality of this program.”
As he transitions to OTHS, with two children already attending school in the Milton Pope district, Mundt sees first-hand the growing interest and further development of youth sports locally as an encouraging sign it will lead to more well-rounded talent on his future teams. “I am truly appreciative of all the different youth sports that are available from a very young age that growing up, I didn't have those same opportunities,” he says. “What I would like to see more of is an open mind to compete in more than just one sport. I think there's a huge advantage to learning to compete in different sports and not just to focus on one. I played 3 sports growing up and I think each one of those mentally prepared me for challenges that went beyond sports, and it just gives kids the opportunity to see other aspects.”
While Mundt doesn’t start working in his new classroom until August, he’s already walking the halls of OTHS to rally players and fans for a new era of Pirate football.
“Come summer, we can start working together, developing as a team, and figuring out our roles on the crew, and just kind of getting them to believe in that process,” he says. “Every role across the board has a purpose for the ship to run effectively.”
“One Ship, One Crew,” he explained during a recent interview after first meeting with players on the 2026 squad. He told his new team the motto is more than just a nod to the well-known transportation method of pirates. “I thought that the idea and the metaphor of the ship and the crew is not only very fitting with us being the Pirates, but also it kind of gives them a picture in their head of what that should look like.”
The goal, says Mundt, is to get the team working together, efficiently, like a ship’s crew. “As coaches, we're going to be the driving force - like the wind,” he says, “but it's up to them and the crew what they're going to do with the sails, how well they're going to work together when a storm comes, like when we struggle in a game or in a half. It's gonna be up to them and their crew on how they're gonna handle those situations.”
As he takes the helm of the Pirate ship from coach Chad Gross who is moving into his new role as OTHS Athletic Director, Mundt is no stranger to Pirate Nation. He led the Pirates as Quarterback in 2004 and 2005 under the direction of OTHS Hall of Fame Coach Tim Jobst. After graduating from OTHS in 2006, Mundt played under center for two different NCAA Division III college teams, first for the Monmouth College Scots and then the Concordia University Chicago Cougars.
He brought that college level experience to LaSalle-Peru High School, where Mundt worked as a math teacher and served on the football coaching staff of the Cavaliers who lead the historic rivalry against Ottawa 73-50-5 since their first matchup in 1897. As quarterback for OTHS in 2005, Mundt led the Pirates to a 12-0 victory against L-P, one of the few wins for OTHS in the rivalry during the last 25 years.
While L-P has claimed victory over OTHS in their matchups since 2015, in Mundt’s mind the only record that matters is the one ahead. “That’s the streak I’m concerned with, not the past, but this year’s team,” Mundt says he told his new players. “It’s great to be aware of and learn from the past, but never to dwell on it. We are going to change the culture, mindset, and mentality of this program.”
As he transitions to OTHS, with two children already attending school in the Milton Pope district, Mundt sees first-hand the growing interest and further development of youth sports locally as an encouraging sign it will lead to more well-rounded talent on his future teams. “I am truly appreciative of all the different youth sports that are available from a very young age that growing up, I didn't have those same opportunities,” he says. “What I would like to see more of is an open mind to compete in more than just one sport. I think there's a huge advantage to learning to compete in different sports and not just to focus on one. I played 3 sports growing up and I think each one of those mentally prepared me for challenges that went beyond sports, and it just gives kids the opportunity to see other aspects.”
While Mundt doesn’t start working in his new classroom until August, he’s already walking the halls of OTHS to rally players and fans for a new era of Pirate football.
“Come summer, we can start working together, developing as a team, and figuring out our roles on the crew, and just kind of getting them to believe in that process,” he says. “Every role across the board has a purpose for the ship to run effectively.”
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) hosted a quarterly Student Recognition Breakfast Friday March 20th.
The event, sponsored by Conroy’s Automotive & Towing this quarter, recognizes students nominated by faculty and staff at OTHS for their exceptional character throughout the school and for their work in the classroom.
The following students were honored for their outstanding achievements:
Business / Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students of the Month:
Evan Ristau, Senior
Bryer Harris, Junior
Cashton Dilley, Sophomore
Aria Phillips, Freshman
Business / Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students of Integrity:
Colt Bryson, Senior
Dreager Duncan, Junior
Madelyn Olszewski, Sophomore
Mckenzie Mool, Freshman
Foreign Language and Fine Arts Students of the Month:
Bethany Polega, Senior
Lylah Rainey, Junior
Allie Quinn, Sophomore
Ocean Fowler, Freshman
Foreign Language and Fine Arts Students of Integrity:
Malcolm Gretencord, Senior
Skylee Fredericksen, Junior
Addisyn Budnick, Sophomore
Iris Hasty, Freshman
The event, sponsored by Conroy’s Automotive & Towing this quarter, recognizes students nominated by faculty and staff at OTHS for their exceptional character throughout the school and for their work in the classroom.
The following students were honored for their outstanding achievements:
Business / Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students of the Month:
Evan Ristau, Senior
Bryer Harris, Junior
Cashton Dilley, Sophomore
Aria Phillips, Freshman
Business / Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students of Integrity:
Colt Bryson, Senior
Dreager Duncan, Junior
Madelyn Olszewski, Sophomore
Mckenzie Mool, Freshman
Foreign Language and Fine Arts Students of the Month:
Bethany Polega, Senior
Lylah Rainey, Junior
Allie Quinn, Sophomore
Ocean Fowler, Freshman
Foreign Language and Fine Arts Students of Integrity:
Malcolm Gretencord, Senior
Skylee Fredericksen, Junior
Addisyn Budnick, Sophomore
Iris Hasty, Freshman
The public is invited to Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) as the faculty and staff honor 20 seniors during the 2026 OTHS Student Athlete College Signing Day event on Wednesday March 25th at 6PM in historic Kingman Gym.
Each of the following student athletes committed to play sports at the next level will be introduced at the event:
Jacob Armstrong Milikin University Golf
Colt Bryson Milikin University Golf
Archer Cechowicz Illinois Wesleyan University Football
Bregan Cheatham Lindenwood University Cheerleading
Lucas Farabaugh Aurora University Baseball & Football
Brendyn Fuchs Monmouth College Baseball
Finley Gross St. Norbert College Track
Isabella Markey Sauk Valley Community College Volleyball
Noah Marvin Illinois Valley Community College Baseball
Cash Nilles Chatham University Cheerleading
Kaleb Nimke Illinois Valley Community College Cross Country
Evan Paris McKendree University Football
Stephon Patrick San Bernardino Valley College Football & Track
Ethan Poutre Elmhurst University Football
Owen Sanders Illinois Wesleyan University Basketball
Haley Solan Georgia Southwestern State University Cross County
Mary Stisser Black Hawk College Basketball
Aubrey Sullivan Black Hawk College Softball
Adam Swanson Bradley University Baseball
Bryson Valdez Loras College Football
Nine students in the Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) art program received 1st or 2nd place ribbons in the Interstate 8 Art Conference at Sycamore High School Saturday, March 14th. Their scores propelled OTHS to 1st place overall in the competition.
Each school in the I-8 conference is invited to bring 14 pieces of work created by 14 different students. “We are so proud of our art students in earning first place ribbons in eight out of the fourteen categories,” says OTHS art teacher Paula Carroll.
In addition to a 1st place ribbon for her ceramics project, Leigha Phinney also received a Best in Show award. “Leigha earning an overall Best of Show for her ceramics piece is a deserving recognition for her overall hard work and attention to detail,” Carroll added.
During the competition, as the work is being judged, students participate in art workshops organized by the host school. “It’s always a great day for our students to meet other artists and enjoy the artwork of other students from different schools,” which Carroll hopes inspires their future art projects.
First place ribbons:
Ava Jacobs (Senior) - Drawing Neutral
Luke Passwater (Senior)- Mixed Media
Emma Hinshelwood (Junior)- Painting- Watercolor
Charles Wood (Senior)- Photography (Unaltered)
Sam Wade (Senior)- Computer Generated Art (No A.I.)
Lila Windy (Senior)- Sculpture No Clay
Natalia Schillo (Senior)- Textiles
Leigha Phinney (Senior)- Ceramics
Second place ribbon:
Sidney Nanouski (Junior)- Graphic Design
Workshop Participants:
Charlie White (Senior)
Luke Passwater (Senior)
Sam Wade (Senior)
Mike Enerson (Senior)
Emma Hinshelwood (Junior)
Leigha Phinney (Senior)
August Leiteritz (Senior)
Natalia Schillo (Senior)
Each school in the I-8 conference is invited to bring 14 pieces of work created by 14 different students. “We are so proud of our art students in earning first place ribbons in eight out of the fourteen categories,” says OTHS art teacher Paula Carroll.
In addition to a 1st place ribbon for her ceramics project, Leigha Phinney also received a Best in Show award. “Leigha earning an overall Best of Show for her ceramics piece is a deserving recognition for her overall hard work and attention to detail,” Carroll added.
During the competition, as the work is being judged, students participate in art workshops organized by the host school. “It’s always a great day for our students to meet other artists and enjoy the artwork of other students from different schools,” which Carroll hopes inspires their future art projects.
First place ribbons:
Ava Jacobs (Senior) - Drawing Neutral
Luke Passwater (Senior)- Mixed Media
Emma Hinshelwood (Junior)- Painting- Watercolor
Charles Wood (Senior)- Photography (Unaltered)
Sam Wade (Senior)- Computer Generated Art (No A.I.)
Lila Windy (Senior)- Sculpture No Clay
Natalia Schillo (Senior)- Textiles
Leigha Phinney (Senior)- Ceramics
Second place ribbon:
Sidney Nanouski (Junior)- Graphic Design
Workshop Participants:
Charlie White (Senior)
Luke Passwater (Senior)
Sam Wade (Senior)
Mike Enerson (Senior)
Emma Hinshelwood (Junior)
Leigha Phinney (Senior)
August Leiteritz (Senior)
Natalia Schillo (Senior)
More than 50 businesses from throughout the region participated in the 4th annual Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) Career Fair, providing students opportunities to connect directly with employers.
30 seniors from the 2026 graduating class organized this year’s event, titled “Beyond the Bell.”
“It’s an event that continues to stand out because it is entirely student-developed for their peers,” says OTHS teacher Ashley Carls, who serves as one of the faculty sponsors for the career fair. “The event also highlighted the dedication of our community partners, who created interactive and engaging displays to connect with students.”
More than 400 OTHS juniors and seniors visited potential employers in the school cafeteria where tables were filled with displays, information, giveaways, and job application forms from a variety of providers ranging from local real estate companies and financial institutions to the U.S. military. “Participating businesses noted students’ professionalism, thoughtful questions, and meaningful conversations,” says Carls, who added some students secured internships and job offers during the event.
Despite a cooling job market, Carls says the number of businesses attending increased this year, and she’s grateful for all the support that makes this unique opportunity for OTHS students possible. “The success of the career fair reflects a true collective effort,” says Carls, “made possible by the commitment and collaboration of our teachers, staff, and students.”
30 seniors from the 2026 graduating class organized this year’s event, titled “Beyond the Bell.”
“It’s an event that continues to stand out because it is entirely student-developed for their peers,” says OTHS teacher Ashley Carls, who serves as one of the faculty sponsors for the career fair. “The event also highlighted the dedication of our community partners, who created interactive and engaging displays to connect with students.”
More than 400 OTHS juniors and seniors visited potential employers in the school cafeteria where tables were filled with displays, information, giveaways, and job application forms from a variety of providers ranging from local real estate companies and financial institutions to the U.S. military. “Participating businesses noted students’ professionalism, thoughtful questions, and meaningful conversations,” says Carls, who added some students secured internships and job offers during the event.
Despite a cooling job market, Carls says the number of businesses attending increased this year, and she’s grateful for all the support that makes this unique opportunity for OTHS students possible. “The success of the career fair reflects a true collective effort,” says Carls, “made possible by the commitment and collaboration of our teachers, staff, and students.”
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) Senior Perla Gutierrez is the recipient of the OTHS Educational Foundation Student of the Month Leadership Award for March.
“Throughout Perla’s years at OTHS, she has consistently proven herself to be a diligent and dedicated presence in the classroom, a positive and respectful peer in the hallways, and an effective and compassionate mentor to freshmen students,” her teachers remarked in their award recommendation.
“Perla works tirelessly to achieve her goals and has demonstrated tremendous personal and academic growth throughout her high school career. Impressively, she balances a job outside of school while actively participating in multiple school activities and manages her responsibilities with maturity and determination. Perla sets high expectations for herself and meets them with perseverance and integrity. There is no doubt that she will continue to become a leader in the community and excel in anything she sets her mind to.”
All recipients honored as a Student of the Month receive a $250 award from the OTHS Educational Foundation and are granted use of a preferred parking space at OTHS among other benefits.
“Throughout Perla’s years at OTHS, she has consistently proven herself to be a diligent and dedicated presence in the classroom, a positive and respectful peer in the hallways, and an effective and compassionate mentor to freshmen students,” her teachers remarked in their award recommendation.
“Perla works tirelessly to achieve her goals and has demonstrated tremendous personal and academic growth throughout her high school career. Impressively, she balances a job outside of school while actively participating in multiple school activities and manages her responsibilities with maturity and determination. Perla sets high expectations for herself and meets them with perseverance and integrity. There is no doubt that she will continue to become a leader in the community and excel in anything she sets her mind to.”
All recipients honored as a Student of the Month receive a $250 award from the OTHS Educational Foundation and are granted use of a preferred parking space at OTHS among other benefits.
Five Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) juniors participated in Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield March 3rd. Eli Jeppson, Kenleigh Fowler, Jack Carroll, Bryer Harris and Annabelle Threadgill joined other high school students from the Illinois 38th Senate District to learn more about the state’e legislative process.
“I found it valuable for students to see how legislation works in a realistic setting,” says OTHS social science teacher Nick McLaughlin, who accompanied the students to Springfield.
OTHS students are selected for the YAC program based on participation in the Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government course. The YAC program begins in the fall with students learning more about government in a meeting with Rezin and their peers where they discuss issues important to them that could become legislation, providing a unique experience exploring public policy, state government, and leadership.
During the visit to the State Capitol complex this week, YAC students participated in simulated meetings and hearings related to the legislative issues they reviewed in the fall meeting and visited the floor of the Illinois Senate to meet with state leaders.
“I believe experiences like this are incredibly important,” says McLaughlin. “They help students understand how government functions and hopefully inspire them to become active voices and partners in our democracy.”
“I found it valuable for students to see how legislation works in a realistic setting,” says OTHS social science teacher Nick McLaughlin, who accompanied the students to Springfield.
OTHS students are selected for the YAC program based on participation in the Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government course. The YAC program begins in the fall with students learning more about government in a meeting with Rezin and their peers where they discuss issues important to them that could become legislation, providing a unique experience exploring public policy, state government, and leadership.
During the visit to the State Capitol complex this week, YAC students participated in simulated meetings and hearings related to the legislative issues they reviewed in the fall meeting and visited the floor of the Illinois Senate to meet with state leaders.
“I believe experiences like this are incredibly important,” says McLaughlin. “They help students understand how government functions and hopefully inspire them to become active voices and partners in our democracy.”
90 students across the Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) music department are set to compete in 100 events during the 2026 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Solo and Ensemble Contest Saturday, March 7th at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School.
“Every year, I see growth from band students,” says OTHS Band Director Andrew Jacobi. “It's rewarding to see things click for them and watch them make connections as they put things together with me or their accompanist. Some highlights on the band end are that we have a student playing the Gordon Jacob Trombone Concerto, which is a major work in professional trombone repertoire, and a student who is playing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto.”
“This year, I'm seeing the most participation I've ever seen from the students in Treble and Concert Choirs,” says OTHS Choir Director Ali Stachowicz, who adds Solo and Ensemble contest is voluntary for those students, but is a requirement for members of the Crimson Choir. “It's exciting for me as an educator to watch younger students be brave enough to sing a solo for the first time, and it's really exciting when they come in well-prepared and confident. For some of the older choir students, Solo & Ensemble is a fun challenge for them to try out some upper-level standards of vocal literature.”
For the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest, students prepare individual pieces for classical voice or instrument or assemble in small groups to practice a selection. During competition, they perform the piece for an audience and a judge who evaluates accuracy, technique, and musicality, issuing a rating from 1-5, with 1 being the highest mark a performance receives. “Through this process, students learn and improve their ability to practice independently, which is a soft skill that they will be able to use to improve their lives long after they are finished with high school music,” says Stachowicz. “Taking a big project, breaking it up into manageable pieces, and doing a little at a time each day and avoiding procrastination leads to students feeling more confident and excited, and having more pride and ownership over their performances at Contest.”
High school music programs across 5 different classes (AA, A, B, C, D) compete in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest and the IHSA Music Organizational Contest. OTHS competes in the IHSA Music Organizational Contest event in mid-April at Kewanee High School. The highest combined score from both events determines the State Champion. Since the IHSA State Music Championship series began in 1972, OTHS has collected 22 total IHSA State Music Championships and 6 IHSA State Music Championship Runner-up finishes.
“Every year, I see growth from band students,” says OTHS Band Director Andrew Jacobi. “It's rewarding to see things click for them and watch them make connections as they put things together with me or their accompanist. Some highlights on the band end are that we have a student playing the Gordon Jacob Trombone Concerto, which is a major work in professional trombone repertoire, and a student who is playing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto.”
“This year, I'm seeing the most participation I've ever seen from the students in Treble and Concert Choirs,” says OTHS Choir Director Ali Stachowicz, who adds Solo and Ensemble contest is voluntary for those students, but is a requirement for members of the Crimson Choir. “It's exciting for me as an educator to watch younger students be brave enough to sing a solo for the first time, and it's really exciting when they come in well-prepared and confident. For some of the older choir students, Solo & Ensemble is a fun challenge for them to try out some upper-level standards of vocal literature.”
For the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest, students prepare individual pieces for classical voice or instrument or assemble in small groups to practice a selection. During competition, they perform the piece for an audience and a judge who evaluates accuracy, technique, and musicality, issuing a rating from 1-5, with 1 being the highest mark a performance receives. “Through this process, students learn and improve their ability to practice independently, which is a soft skill that they will be able to use to improve their lives long after they are finished with high school music,” says Stachowicz. “Taking a big project, breaking it up into manageable pieces, and doing a little at a time each day and avoiding procrastination leads to students feeling more confident and excited, and having more pride and ownership over their performances at Contest.”
High school music programs across 5 different classes (AA, A, B, C, D) compete in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest and the IHSA Music Organizational Contest. OTHS competes in the IHSA Music Organizational Contest event in mid-April at Kewanee High School. The highest combined score from both events determines the State Champion. Since the IHSA State Music Championship series began in 1972, OTHS has collected 22 total IHSA State Music Championships and 6 IHSA State Music Championship Runner-up finishes.
Ottawa Township High School (OTHS) is hosting the 2026 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 3A Boys Basketball Sectional at historic Kingman Gym March 3rd through 6th.
On Wednesday, March 4th, Kankakee High School faces East Peoria Community High School.
Tip-off is at 7PM.
Tickets for Wednesday’s game are available for purchase online at the following link:
https://gofan.co/event/6225271?schoolId=IL15619&fbclid=IwdGRleAQVS3hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeW7t0xicHoBMHIugZo700DpsN3Gx9lGMWLG29aqNAAoHgKkwZxArYpnTqJHs_aem_UdO-_pYOcmn39pp0GiOLhg
All purchases are non-refundable.
