April 13, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Setterdahl finds perfect fit at Clemson

Ben Setterdahl thinks he may be annoying people.

The St. Joseph-Ogden senior, who is co-valedictorian, can’t stop talking about Clemson University.


The South Carolina school will be Setterdahl’s home for the next four years.


“I am just so excited and everyone has been so nice to me,” he said.

Setterdahl said he overlooked the ACC school at first and he never saw himself actually becoming a Tiger.

Setterdahl said the college decision process was stressful, but he tried to be as open with his parents as possible and just take everything one step at a time.

“Then as it got closer to decision time I decided it would be at least worth a visit,” Setterdahl said. “As soon as I stepped on campus I felt at home. As we looked around more on our visit I realized it was just the perfect fit for me.”

Setterdahl said his mom, Nikki, was surprised that he decided to attend Clemson, but supportive. His father, Duane, wasn’t as surprised.

“My dad said he saw it coming,” Setterdahl said.


Setterdahl will be majoring in engineering and will likely choose to pursue a civil engineering degree.


“I’m just so excited for a new journey meeting new people in a brand new place,” he said. “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else this fall, and I am so excited about it.”


Setterdahl, who will graduate from SJO on Sunday afternoon, said he has many great memories from his time as a Spartan. This year, he was a part of the We the People Civics team and traveled to Washington, D.C for the National competition.

“It was one of the best weeks of my life,” he said. “I had so much fun.”

Setterdahl said the school he attended for four years and the town he grew up in has taught him many lessons, including it is OK to be different.

“I have learned to not worry about fitting in but instead to do what you like to do and be passionate about it,” he said. “I will definitely miss all the people in my life who have impacted me. I am so grateful for all of my friends and teachers and coaches and will miss all of them the most.”

in People
Banner
Related Posts

‘I have absolutely loved portraying her’

April 3, 2022

April 3, 2022

Sophia McDade loves everything about the Addams Family production. The senior, who is acting in her second show with the...

Franzen chosen to lead middle school

March 30, 2021

March 30, 2021

The new St. Joseph Middle School Principal will be a familiar face. The St. Joseph Consolidated Community School Board voted...

Leemon to be honored Sunday

September 3, 2020

September 3, 2020

St. Joseph will honor one of its heroes on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. Sgt. Dustin Leemon of the United...

Senior spotlight… Mallory Ames

July 31, 2019

July 31, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we spoke to Mallory Ames. What do you...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jeff Isenhower

October 31, 2019

October 31, 2019

Every week we talk to an area resident and ask them to give us 10 interesting facts about themselves. This...

10 things you don’t know about me… Rylee Sjuts

May 15, 2019

May 15, 2019

We asked St. Joseph-Ogden’s Senior Class President and graduation speaker Rylee Sjuts to tell us 10 things we didn’t know...

‘Having a trip on the books gives us something to look forward to’

June 4, 2020

June 4, 2020

It’s a crazy time in the travel industry, that’s for sure. While some news tends to lean towards the doom...

Longview Bank helps area schools

July 15, 2020

July 15, 2020

Longview Bank is helping local schools. The bank donated $2,500 to eight school districts. Shiloh, Villa Grove, Unity, Heritage, St....

Parkland announces candidates for commencement

May 6, 2019

May 6, 2019

Parkland College congratulates the candidates for its 52nd Commencement Exercises. The graduation ceremony will be held Thursday, May 16, at...

Eye clinic aiming for March opening

January 9, 2020

January 9, 2020

2020 is the perfect year for an eye care service to open. And St. Joseph is the perfect location for...

Allen reflects on state pageant

March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019

Gracyn Allen has been the Champaign County Fair Queen for almost eight months. Her 2019 has included everything from competing...

10 things you don’t know about me…. Katie May

July 17, 2019

July 17, 2019

Every week we ask a local resident to tell us 10 facts about themselves. This week we spoke to St....

Kids say

July 19, 2019

July 19, 2019

Second graders from PVO South tell us if they would like to be a farmer. This post is sponsored by...

Bagby selected as winner of Chamber Scholarship

April 23, 2019

April 23, 2019

Goals are nothing new to St. Joseph-Ogden Senior Cassidy Bagby. As a varsity cross country and track athlete she sets...

How I get it done: St. Joseph-Ogden Principal GARY PAGE

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

We ask local leaders to discuss their views on leadership, how they set goals and what a typical day is...

Comments
Leave a Reply