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

Spartan Spotlight… Kendall Ayers

Kendall Ayers has plans to travel after graduating from high school.


The St. Joseph-Ogden senior plans to take a vacation out west before attending Parkland College in the fall. Ayers said he plans on participating in the Parkland Pathways program before transferring to the University of Illinois to major in computer engineering.


Despite looking forward to his trip, Ayers knows he will miss certain things about SJO.


The Royal resident, who participates in scholastic bowl, drama club and chorus, said his greatest memories of school are the day-to-day interactions.

Ayers said he will always remember going to All State Chorus at Olivet Nazarene University, which was a huge accomplishment. His favorite classes at SJO were physical education and chorus. His all-time favorite teachers are his fifth and sixth-grade teacher Mrs. Max, Mrs. Steffen, Mr. Kieffer, Mr. Beckett and Mr. Hess at SJO.


Ayers, who enjoys playing video games, singing and working on computers, also has a passion for geology.

He said he would tell future SJO students to “get their foot in the door and make an impression.”

in People
Banner
Related Posts

‘It has been an honor to care for you and your families’

December 21, 2022

December 21, 2022

Patients of Dr. Jeanelle Murphy got some not so jolly news at the beginning of December. Their doctor is leaving...

Senior Spotlight…. Brayden Grimsey

September 5, 2019

September 5, 2019

Every week we ask an SJO senior five questions. This week we spoke to Brayden Grimsey. This post is sponsored...

Acklin goes the distance, earns induction into SJO Hall of Fame

September 27, 2019

September 27, 2019

Jim Acklin has dedicated his life to coaching and teaching. For that he is being inducted into the St. Joseph-Ogden...

10 things you don’t know about me… Cindy Berry-Rajlich

September 11, 2019

September 11, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to give us 10 facts about themselves. This week we talked to Cindy...

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...

SJO grad McElroy blossoms at Millikin, both in volleyball and in life

October 3, 2019

October 3, 2019

Marissa McElroy loves volleyball. And in turn, the sport has helped the St. Joseph-Ogden graduate love herself. The 6-foot-3 senior...

Get to know Lindsay Rubach

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Lindsay is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?As an Educator...

Senior spotlight.. Bailey Dowling

August 13, 2019

August 13, 2019

Every week we ask an SJO senior five questions. This week we spoke to Bailey Dowling. What do you want...

10 things you don’t know about me… Carrie Mattsey

September 27, 2019

September 27, 2019

Every week we ask an area resident to tell us 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week we spoke to...

St. Joseph rallies to find missing dog

September 17, 2020

September 17, 2020

Operation bring Piper home is in full effect in St. Joseph. Piper, a yellow labrador retriever, went missing from the...

Haley’s lofty vision with SJO baseball has become reality

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Josh Haley didn’t do anything elaborate after he achieved a coaching milestone earlier this month. For the St. Joseph-Ogden High...

Kids say…

June 17, 2019

June 17, 2019

Every week we ask five St. Joseph area students a question about farming. Today, five students from PVO South tell...

10 Things You Don’t Know About Me… Kent Brown

February 7, 2019

February 7, 2019

Every week we ask a community member to share 10 facts about themselves. This week it is St. Joseph resident...

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...

Talk of the Town with SJO head football coach Shawn Skinner

September 27, 2019

September 27, 2019

Every week we ask a school official, village trustee or mayor three questions. This week we spoke to St. Joseph-Ogden’s...

Comments
Leave a Reply