March 9, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Senior spotlight Eric Poe

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we talked to Eric Poe.

Thank you to Hoveln Heating and Cooling for sponsoring this post.

What are your plans after you graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden?  
After graduation, I will attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, where I will study and train for four years to serve my country as a Naval Officer.

If you could have dinner with three people who would they be and why?
If I could have dinner with any three people, they would most likely be Alexander the Great, Steve Prefontaine, and Quentin Tarantino. Alexander, because he is the greatest military commander of all time; Prefontaine, because he was one of the greatest and most influential runners of all time; and Tarantino, because he has directed many of my all-time favorite movies and I would love to talk to him.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My father is my biggest inspiration. He came from very little means, yet was able to provide me with countless opportunities.  He has taught me just about everything I know and has been a constant source of motivation.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself still serving as an officer in the military, hopefully as an O-4 or higher

What is your favorite class and why?
My favorite class currently is Strength Training with Coach Retz.  As the first class of my day, it serves as a great way to ease into the day, and I enjoy the people in the class just as much as I enjoy improving myself physically.

Banner
Related Posts

Kids say…Would you like to be a farmer? Why or why not?

October 22, 2019

October 22, 2019

Every week we ask area students questions about being a farmer. This week we spoke to kids at PVO South....

‘Helping them reach their potential is humbling and rewarding at the same time’

January 26, 2023

January 26, 2023

A performance today will culminate one of the most powerful artistic and personal experiences Justin Lee has had in his...

How I get it done… Diana Foltz

October 7, 2022

October 7, 2022

We are asking local business leaders how they accomplish goals and run their businesses. We spoke to Diana Foltz, the...

10 things you don’t know about me… Abbie Layden-Rogiers

June 17, 2019

June 17, 2019

Each week we ask a community member to tell us 10 things about themselves. This week is Abbie Layden-Rogiers, owner...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jim O’Brien

November 19, 2019

November 19, 2019

I always carry a small pewter heart that Lori, my wife, gave me. It’s a reminder of how lucky I...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Nov. 18, 2025

November 18, 2025

November 18, 2025

I am here. Only thing on the agenda is consideration of the ordinance approving the solicitation of qualifications and confidential...

Bright Beginnings to hold open house

September 18, 2021

September 18, 2021

A long-time dream is finally coming to fruition. Bright Beginnings Learning Center located at 501 Peters Drive in St. Joseph,...

5 things you don’t know about me…. Carter Clark

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

Carter is in the running for the title of Little Prince! He is six years old. We asked him to...

Kids Say

October 22, 2019

October 22, 2019

Every week we ask area students questions about being a farmer. This week we spoke to kids at PVO South....

Forest preserve wants residents to hike 30 trails

July 5, 2024

July 5, 2024

If you like to stay active, the Champaign County Forest Preserve has a way to help. The District has created...

Eagle Scout project by Smith set to help bikers on Kickapoo Rail Trail

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2020

Will Smith wants to help bike riders along the Kickapoo Rail Trail. His Eagle Scout Project will do just that....

Q and A with SJO Hall of Fame inductee Bianca Truitt Green

October 3, 2025

October 3, 2025

1. How does it feel to be inducted into the hall of fame? I am ecstatic to be recognized in...

10 things you don’t know about me… Tonya Yeazel

September 5, 2019

September 5, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph area resident to tell us 10 things we don’t know about them. This...

St. Joseph youth Dalton revs it up at motocross nationals

July 29, 2019

July 29, 2019

This week, Tristan Dalton is trying to become a national champion. The 11-year-old St. Joseph resident is competing at the...

Ask the Doctor with Dr. Jeanelle Murphy

March 10, 2020

March 10, 2020

What are the pros of breastfeeding your newborn? How long would you recommend breastfeeding? Breast milk is the perfect food...

Comments
Leave a Reply