February 4, 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

Homer resident digs his passion of paleontology

March 15, 2019

March 15, 2019

Earlier this year, Homer resident and Augustana College sophomore Quinn Powers gave a Youth TED talk. A TED talk is...

Appl can hear the good news, and that’s a good thing

May 8, 2019

May 8, 2019

Ten years ago, Candi Appl was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disease that usually affects...

Comfort Quilters honor veterans

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

In June, 14 veterans were awarded comfort quilts. Two more could be awarded tonight at the St. Joseph Festival by...

‘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...

10 things you don’t know about me… Sue Esposito

March 13, 2019

March 13, 2019

Every week we ask a community member to share 10 things about themselves. This week it is Ogden Trustee Sue...

‘He was the kind of person everyone was happy to see’

July 19, 2025

July 19, 2025

Sam Shonkwiler was full of life. He would walk in a room and people would call his name. He had...

Talk of the Town with Superintendent Tom Davis

May 1, 2019

May 1, 2019

Every week the St. Joseph Record is reaching out to a village official, school superintendent, school board member or village...

10 things you don’t know about me…the SJO girls basketball team

February 22, 2019

February 22, 2019

After this weekend, Maclayne Taylor will have 12 state medals and has been apart of five team state trophies.  ...

‘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: Chloe Duckett

May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

Leading up to graduation, we asked five seniors five questions. Next up is Chloe Duckett! What will you be doing...

A familiar face joins Longview Bank

November 22, 2021

November 22, 2021

Sara Bryan has always had a passion for helping people. That passion was instilled in her by her father who...

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...

Wheelhouse adapts during pandemic

May 27, 2020

May 27, 2020

Every Thursday The Wheelhouse gets as shipment of farm-fresh food from Spence Farms in Fairbury. Spence Farms is a cooperative...

10 things about me….. Dana Rowland

April 3, 2019

April 3, 2019

You may know Dana Rowland as the co-chair of the SJO Post Prom Cash Bash but now you can get...

10 things you don’t know about me… Joe Hackney

September 27, 2024

September 27, 2024

1. What is a tv or movie you could watch over and over and why? Lately, I’m really looking forward to...

Comments
Leave a Reply