56 local students honored at annual Illinois Principal’s Association’s John Ourth breakfast

Streator High School hosted the Starved Rock Region Illinois Principal Association John Ourth Student Recognition Breakfast on Feb. 23.

The Staved Rock IPA dedicated this breakfast in memory of John Ourth, who helped the Starved Rock Region of the Illinois Principal’s Association begin the annual student recognition event. This annual event began in February of 2007 because of the encouragement and leadership of Ourth.

Ourth served as the first guest speaker for the event that brought together principals, students and their families for positive recognition of the students’ character. Ourth was born in Willoughby, Ohio, on Oct. 10, 1941, a son of Arnold John and Florence Sanford Ourth. He graduated from Nauvoo High School, Class of 1959. He received his bachelor’s degree from Graceland College in Lamoni in 1964 and his master’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1967. He began his teaching career in Willoughby, Ohio. He taught and served as principal in several rural Illinois locations, such as Media, Burnside, Ferris and Carthage. He retired as principal at Oak Terrace School, Highwood, Ill.

Ourth was a charter member of the Illinois Principals Association, serving as president in 1976-1977. He was the co-founder of the IPA’s Professional Development Program and co-founder of the Coalition for Illinois High Schools. He was the IPA Field Services Director from 1993-2007. He served as special counselor to many organizations, including the Illinois Board of Education, the Illinois State Deans Association, the Illinois Association of Administrators of Special Education and several others.

He was honored with the naming of the IPA John Ourth Professional Development Scholarship. He filled a pivotal leadership role with National Association of Elementary School Principals for many years and served as its president in 1980-81. He was a published author of educational materials.

Tragically and unexpectedly, Ourth died in December of 2007. He is remembered by members of the IPA for his commitment to causes, such as the IPA and the National Association for Elementary School Principals.

Under his leadership both organizations grew into premier professional organizations offering services to members as well as many opportunities for professional growth. He lived his life to the full measurement of commitment, compassion and love for his students and their families.

The students who are honored at the yearly breakfast possess the same traits that made Ourth an outstanding leader and role model for others. Students are recommended by their school principals based on, character, citizenship, leadership skills and scholarship as well as possessing the potential to make a difference in the world.

This year 56 students from area elementary, middle school, junior high and high schools were recognized.

Guest speaker for the event was Matthew Seaton, former Streator High School superintendent and now vice president for Business Services and Finance at Illinois Valley Community College. The breakfast was prepared and served by Arbor Management. Guitar and vocal entertainment was provided by Streator High School instructor Tom Edwards. Photographer was Janice Corrigan, Streator High School community and alumni coordinator. Student award plaques were secured through Josten’s. Photo holders were donated by Streator High School. Programs were printed and donated by Jenette Fruit, Earlville CUSD9.

Angie Merboth of Harding Grade School serves as region director for the Starved Rock group, with Joe Landers of Wallace Grade School serving as state director. The board consists of 10 members total.

Students recognized this year included: Madison Bedeker, Ransom Grade School; Emersyn Ledergerber, Bureau Valley Jr. High; Adam Johnson, Bureau Valley High School; Vivian Lopez, DePue Unit School; Issac Yanez, DePue High School; Ursula Hauger, Deer Park School; Sophia Pyska, Dimmick Grade School; Isabella Harp, Earlville High School; Ava Offermann, Grand Ridge School; Victoria Ulrich, Hall High School; Zaydee Bucz, Harding Grade School; Emma Slingsby, Ladd Grade School; Angela Bejarano, Allen Junior High; Wyatt Lundquist, LaMoille High School; Erick Sotelo, La Salle Lincoln Jr. High School; Cayden Fowler, Northwest Elementary School; Elia Becker, La Salle-Peru High School; Sydney Samek, Lostant School; Isabel Garkey, Marquette Academy; Reagan Julian, Marseilles Elementary School; London Jones, Mendota Lincoln School; Gracie Jean Botts, Northbrook School; Ella Wier, Midland Elementary School; CaiLynn Day, Midland Middle School; Jasmine Henry, Midland High School; Sailor Ernat, Oglesby Lincoln Elementary School; Ava Balestri, Oglesby Washington Junior High School; Brock Loftus, Ohio High School; Jillian Anderson, Ohio Grade School; Drake Hefner, Milton Pope Grade School; Joshua Armstrong, Central Intermediate; Emersen Buck, Jefferson Elementary; Carsen Walker, Ottawa Lincoln Elementary; Sebastian Strow, McKinley Elementary; Lila Windy, Shepherd Middle School; Joseph Ovanic, Ottawa Township High School; Rudy Dinges, Northview School; Ever McCormick, Parkside Middle School; Bryson Smith, Putnam County Primary School; Jace Boedigheimer, Putnam County Elementary School; Jaden Trone, Putnam County High School; Brayden Zuniga, Putnam County Junior High School; Rebekah Graman, Rutland Grade School; Miranda Araujo, Seneca High School; Evelyn Bryant, John F. Kennedy School; Joie Schmitt, St. Michael the Archangel School; Keira Knox, Centennial School, Hallie Klass, Kimes School; Iris England, Northlawn Junior High School; Lydia Schultz, Streator Township High School; Joey Patyk, Tonica Grade School; Kendall Whiteaker, Serena Middle School; Katlyn Baker, Serena High School; Makayla Henderson, Sheridan Grade School; Lindy Dhuse, Wallace Grade School and Drew Depenbrok, Waltham Elementary School.

• Send photos of John Ourth student honorees to newsroom@mywebtimes.com by March 20 for future publication.