January 17, 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.

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