2021 - 22 Soaring Eagle Award Winners
Brentlee is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the January 26, 2022 Board of Education meeting.

​Soaring Eagle Brentlee Hinthorn

​Mr. Brentlee Hinthorn was nominated for the Soaring Eagle Award by Mrs. Rolen.  This is what she said about Brentlee, ”… I would like to nominate Brentlee for the Soaring Eagle Award. Brentlee is always kind to his classmates and goes out of his way, every day to be helpful to me in class. There isn’t anything that he would do for me or his classmates.  He is just the best.”  As Brentlee continues through the grades, we will look to him to be a positive influence on his classmates here at Oak Grove School. Personally (Dr. Baele), I had the privilege of coaching Brentlee on a basketball team a couple of years ago, I really looked forward to seeing his smile!   It is truly an honor to receive this award as a third grader and it speaks volumes about Brentlee and his character. From the Mrs. Rolen, the Board of Education and administration, congratulations Brentlee for being named a “Soaring Eagle”. 

​Soaring Eagle Presley Rodgers

​Mr. Presley Rodgers was nominated for the Soaring Eagle Award by Mrs. Martin.  This is what she said about Presley, ”… I would like to nominate Presley Rodgers for the Soaring Eagle Award. Presley is new to our Eagle family this year, and he started the school year not knowing anyone. He was excited but nervous to start at a new school. Presley now has many friends at school, and although most of Presley's interactions with his peers have been positive, Presley did have struggles with one classmate in particular, especially during more unstructured times.  Presley's character has truly shown through during this time and has been nothing short of impressive. Rather than returning one unkind comment with another, Presley has told me privately, "Everyone needs a friend so I am going to try and be his friend." He also said, "I am going to forgive and give him one more chance." I am very proud of not only Presley's words but his actions. This world would be a better place if more people had a heart as big as Presley's.” From Mrs. Martin, the Board of Education and administration, congratulations Presley for being named a “Soaring Eagle”. Keep being an inspiration to others! 
Presley is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the January 26, 2022 Board of Education meeting.
Addison is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the January 26, 2022 Board of Education meeting.

​Soaring Eagle Addison Showalter

Ms. Addison Showalter was nominated for the Soaring Eagle Award by Mrs. Heflin, she said, “I would like to nominate Addi Showalter, I'm with her in math class while I'm co-teaching and she is also on Student Council. In both settings, I'm continually impressed with her ability to communicate and ask questions about her learning. She has consistently helped with the student council and stepped up to be a leader amongst leaders. She asks what needs to be done and completes the tasks while checking in as she is working. She makes sure we have what we need as a group to accomplish goals. Her ability to execute ideas and accomplish what she sets out to do exceeds far beyond many of her older peers. I look forward to seeing where Addi's leadership skills will take her and how they will impact the peers around her.” From Mrs. Heflin, the Board of Education and the administration, thank you for your service on Student Council and congratulations for being a “Soaring Eagle.”

​Soaring Eagle Hailey Burke

​Ms. Hailey Burke was nominated by Mrs. Martin for the Soaring Eagle Award. At the end of the 2020-21 school year, Hailey donated books that she had won to the school district. Mrs. Martin stated, “Hailey is kind-hearted, thoughtful, smart, and OBVIOUSLY generous. In addition, Hailey was ALWAYS friendly and helpful to every single classmate. She has a heart of gold. Hailey moved into Oak Grove District at the beginning of 4th grade, and how lucky we are to have her join the Oak Grove family! I feel so fortunate to have had her in my class last year.” The Board of Education congratulated Hailey for being a Soaring Eagle! Hailey is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the October 27, 2021 Board of Education meeting.
2020 - 21 Soaring Eagle Award Winners

​Soaring Eagle Jack Ledeboer

Mr. Jack Ledeboer was nominated by Mrs. Schindler for the Soaring Eagle Award. Mrs. Schindler stated, “Jack has been a member of the Oak Grove Student Council since he was in 5th grade. His platform always revolves around what he thinks is best for Oak Grove, and he’s not afraid to take a leadership role. This year, Jack came up with the idea for Oak Grove’s drive-thru trick or treating event. Thanks to Jack’s willingness to implement a new tradition at Oak Grove, our students, teachers, and the community had the chance to celebrate Halloween safely.” Mr. Ledeboer was presented the Soaring Eagle Award by Board of Education President, Mr. Matthew Bender. The Board of Education congratulated Jack for being a Soaring Eagle! Jack is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the January 27, 2021 Board of Education meeting.

​Soaring Eagle Sara Winkle

Ms. Sara Winkle was nominated by Ms. Sams for the Soaring Eagle Award. Ms. Sams has been very impressed with Mrs. Winkle’s approach to remote learning. She did an excellent job and Ms. Sams is proud of her work ethic and dedication to her schoolwork. This is Sara’s second Soaring Eagle award as she was presented the SEA in 2018 for winning the Spelling Bee as a 5th grader. Ms. Winkle was presented the Soaring Eagle Award by Board of Education President, Mr. Matthew Bender. The Board of Education congratulated Sara on her second award and looks for great things from her in the future! Sara is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the January 27, 2021 Board of Education meeting.

Soaring Eagle Brock Fehl

Mr. Brock Fehl was nominated by Dr. Baele. Dr. Baele wrote, "Brock helped on more than one occasion on the grounds at Oak Grove School.  He assisted this summer by moving infield mix from the boys infield to the girls infield which took numerous wheelbarrows on a very warm day.  Brock also helped the other volunteers when needing equipment or other items during community work days.  Thank you, Brock for representing yourself, family, and school in such a positive way through your volunteer work at Oak Grove School! I know that when those diamonds are done, you will have an extra sense of pride that you helped to build them." Congratulations on being a Soaring Eagle! Brock is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the October 28th, 2020 Board of Education meeting.
2019 - 20 Soaring Eagle Award Winners

Soaring Eagle Khia Frauenhoffer

Ms. Khia Frauenhoffer was nominated by Mrs. Atterberry. Khia is always going above and beyond, helping in a variety of ways, both big and small. This includes coming in on her own time to help me in the Music room. She was very helpful before the school year started with getting the percussion section set up, as I was working on making the former Band/Chorus room into a comprehensive K-8 Music space. She has helped with other projects such as cleaning and organizing the Band instrument shelves. In addition, last summer she helped Mrs. Heflin set up her classroom library, and helps in the morning with daily attendance in her classroom. Khia is always ready to do what is asked of her, and often initiates by asking if she can help!”  Congratulations on being a Soaring Eagle! Khia is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the January 22nd, 2020 Board of Education meeting.
In Loving Memory of Our Precious Friend, Khia!

Soaring Eagle Abby Fehl

Ms. Abby Fehl was nominated by Mrs. Marvin. Abby worked extremely hard to raise money for Sophia's Kitchen. On Saturday, October 12, Abby held a car wash in order to raise money for this cause. She raised almost $300 for Sophia's Kitchen!  Thank you Abby for doing your best to represent yourself, family, and school in such a positive way. Congratulations on being a Soaring Eagle! Abby is pictured with Board Vice-President, Mrs. Jennifer Quine, at the October 24th, 2019 Board of Education meeting.
2018 - 19 Soaring Eagle Award Winners

Soaring Eagle Ava Bentley

Ms. Ava Bentley was nominated by Dr. Baele on behalf of Art Georges, the Oak Grove track coach, for her representation of an Oak Grove student athlete at the IESA State Track & Field meet, held on May 10th and 11th, 2019.  Ava participated in the 7th grade high jump and finished tied for 7th place. The Board of Education is proud of her accomplishment in making it to the 7th grade state track meet and they wish her the very best in her future track seasons.  Ava is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the May 21st, 2019 Board of Education meeting.

Soaring Eagle Emily Lindsay

Ms. Emily Lindsay was nominated by Dr. Baele on behalf of Art Georges, the Oak Grove track coach, for her representation of an Oak Grove student athlete at the IESA State Track & Field meet, held on May 10th and 11th, 2019.  Emily ran a personal best when running in her preliminary heat in the hurdles. The Board of Education is proud of her accomplishment in making it to the 7th grade state track meet and they wish her the very best in her future track seasons.  Emily is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the May 21st, 2019 Board of Education meeting.

Soaring Eagle Mara Cletcher

Ms. Mara Cletcher was nominated by Mrs. Schindler for her  representation of an Oak Grove Student at Tech2019, which will be held at the Illinois State Capitol Building on May 7th. Oak Grove students will present their Binumi projects in the halls of the Capitol building, showing off how technology can be used to produce student work. Mrs. Schindler nominated Mara for her Binumi project on JK Rowling which was an assignment in her Social Studies class. Mara is a dedicated student who is involved with numerous extra-curricular activities. Thank you, Mara, for doing your very best and representing Oak Grove School at the upcoming Tech2019 Day. Mara is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender, at the April 24th, 2019 Board of Education meeting.

Soaring Eagle Tyler Miller

​ Mr. Tyler Miller was nominated by Mrs. Schindler for his  representation of an Oak Grove Student at Tech2019, which will be held at the Illinois State Capitol Building on May 7th. Oak Grove students will present their Binumi projects in the halls of the Capitol building, showing off how technology can be used to produce student work. Mrs. Schindler nominated Tyler for his Binumi project on Milton Hershey which was an assignment in her Social Studies class. Tyler is a dedicated student who is involved with numerous extra-curricular activities. Thank you, Tyler, for doing your very best and representing Oak Grove School at the upcoming Tech2019 Day. Tyler is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender at the April 24th, 2019 Board of Education meeting.

Soaring Eagle Brooklin Cruikshank

​ Ms. Brooklin Cruikshank was nominated by Mrs. Schindler for her outstanding representation of an Oak Grove Student as the 2019 Spelling Bee Champion. Mrs. Schindler stated that, “Brooklin always gives 100% in class. She is a member of the band and scholastic bowl team.  She was extremely proud to have won the Spelling Bee at Oak Grove School and to have the opportunity to be on TV!".   Thank you, Brooklin for being a great role model to the student body here at Oak Grove and representing your school at the annual WEEK / Journal Star Grand Spelling Bee. Brooklin is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender at the April 24th, 2019 Board of Education meeting.

Soaring Eagle Kenzie Hart

​ Ms. Kenzie Hart was nominated by Mrs. Atterberry for her outstanding representation of an Oak Grove Student to the community. Mrs. Atterberry states that, “Kenzie has been in numerous local productions, including Seussical the Musical, and her most recent production, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!," in which she had a leading role. She has a strong work ethic and has maintained a positive attitude, from the beginning of her audition journey in various venues to now. After each audition over the past several years, she was determined to stay the course, no matter the audition outcome. This attitude is also present at school, where she stays true to herself and continues to always do her best. I'm proud to nominate Kenzie for the Soaring Eagle Award!”.  Although Kenzie has not sought recognition, her hard work and wonderful attitude are a shining example of the Eagle Spirit!  Thank you, Kenzie for being a great role model to the student body here at Oak Grove and to our greater community. ​Kenzie is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender.

Soaring Eagle Nathan Bender

​   Mr. Nathan Bender was awarded the Soaring Eagle Award at the November 14th meeting of the Board of Education.  Mr. Bender was nominated by Mrs. Rolen for his helpfulness in the classroom last year and for his willingness to come in over the summer to help Mrs. Rolen set up her classroom.  Nathan is a shining example of "The Eagle Way" and we look for great things from him in the future. It is with great pleasure that the Board of Education recognize Nathan for helping Mrs. Rolen!  Great Job Nathan!  Nathan is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender.
2017 - 18 Soaring Eagle Award Winners

Soaring Eagle Sara Winkle

​   Sara was awarded the Soaring Eagle Award at the May 23rd meeting of the Board of Education.  Ms. Winkle was the Oak Grove Spelling Bee Champion as a 5th Grader.  She went on to compete at the WEEK Journal Star Grand Final Spelling Bee and she did very well making it to the third round against much older students.  It is with great pleasure that the Board of Education recognize Sara for her accomplishments in spelling!  Great Job Sara!  Sara is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender.

Soaring Eagle Emily Carrington and
Soaring Eagle Sedona Howe

​   Emily and Sedona were awarded the Soaring Eagle award at the March 28th meeting of the Board of Education. Ms. Carrington and Ms. Howe were nominated by Mrs. Becker for their outstanding commitment to the Oak Grove School. Mrs. Becker stated on her nomination form, "Emily and Sedona contacted TAPS to find out what they were in need of and created a school wide handout to go home with students. It was a great success! They were very excited and proud of themselves...knowing they made a difference!" We congratulate these Eagles on their Genius Hour success!  Emily and Sedona are pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender.

Soaring Eagle Wilson Georges

   Wilson was awarded the Soaring Eagle award at the March 28th meeting of the Board of Education. Mr. Georges was nominated by Mrs. Littrel for his outstanding commitment to the Oak Grove School. Mrs. Littrel stated on her nomination form, "Wilson has volunteered several times to read books to the elementary students as part of our book project. I have also witnessed Wilson stopping to help other students with their books and bags." Wilson is a shining example of respect and attitude for other Oak Grove students and is commended for consistently wishing his teacher, "...to have a nice day" once class is completed. We wish Wilson the best of luck in the upcoming track season!  Wilson is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender.

Soaring Eagle Madison Hobbs

  Madison was awarded the Soaring Eagle award at the December 20th meeting of the Board of Education. Ms. Madison Hobbs was nominated by Mrs. Heflin for her outstanding commitment to the Oak Grove School. When Mrs. Heflin talked with students about how they could improve the teacher’s lounge, Madison made it her mission to help. She worked on designs and ideas at school and on her own time. Not only is the teacher’s work room more inviting, it is awesome to see some of Madison’s ideas come to life. Thank you, Madison for caring for your teachers here at Oak Grove and helping to design their work space. Madison is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender.

Soaring Eagle Kylee Bennett

    Kylee was awarded the Soaring Eagle award at the December 20th meeting of the Board of Education. Ms. Bennett was nominated by Mrs. Schindler for her outstanding commitment to the community. Mrs. Schindler stated that, “Kylee sold her own artwork to raise over $100 dollars which she donated to a local animal shelter”. Although Kylee did not do this for recognition, her acts are a shining example of the Eagle Spirit! Thank you, Kylee for being a great example of the student body here at Oak Grove and to our greater community. Kylee is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender.

Soaring Eagle Corryn Zimmerman

    
     Corryn was awarded the Soaring Eagle award at the September 27th meeting of the Board of Education.  On her own time, she developed a system of laminated cards to help teachers identify what color of bus route their students would ride.  The cards were then tied to the backpacks of our younger students.  The Board of Education and administration appreciate her initiative and her efforts to make Oak Grove School a great place to learn!  Corryn is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender.

Soaring Eagle Josh Poirier
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​     Josh was awarded the Soaring Eagle award at the September 27th meeting of the Board of Education.  On his own time, he helped our staff move from Oak Grove East to the new Oak Grove School.  Because of volunteers like Josh, the district was able to move most of the furniture and equipment in three days.  Josh also came in before school started this summer to help teachers set up their rooms.  The Board of Education and administration appreciate his efforts in making Oak Grove School a great place to be!  Josh is pictured with Board President, Mr. Matt Bender.