June 18, 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

Booker inspires community to serve

March 10, 2022

March 10, 2022

Ross Booker was always helping people. The community he called home is stepping up in order to honor the fallen...

Going the Distance: Smetzer excels at Western

October 17, 2019

October 17, 2019

Ross Smetzer has goals. The 2016 St. Joseph-Ogden High School graduate runs cross country and track for Western Illinois University...

SJO Alumni named Farm Credit CEO

September 25, 2024

September 25, 2024

Kelly Duitsman Hunt was designated as the next Farm Credit Illinois CEO by the cooperative’s board of directors. Hunt assumes...

Plotner to be honored with scholarship

January 22, 2019

January 22, 2019

Mary Derenne decided to start the new year right. Even though she had been thinking about it for a few...

5 questions with Michelle Wagner

December 15, 2024

December 15, 2024

1. What is your favorite childhood holiday memory?My favorite childhood memory is Christmas Eve. Our family would go out to...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

Jim Wagner is not here. Jeff Van Buskirk’s seat isn’t filled yet. They approved the minutes, bills, treasuer’s report. An...

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...

Sign ‘em up: Wagners to change locations in downtown St. Joseph

October 4, 2019

October 4, 2019

Jim and Jen Wagner want to invest in St. Joseph because the community has invested in them. “Community support is...

Kids Say

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Every week we ask five students from a local school to answer a question on a worksheet. This week the...

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...

Get to know SJO marching band member Kirsten Schaefer

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

My favorite part about marching band is the endless support that is shared throughout the band with one another and...

SJO Alumni Association Banquet to be held June 8

May 13, 2019

May 13, 2019

If you haven’t already marked your calendar, please save Saturday, June 8, 2019, for the Annual SJO Alumni Association Banquet....

Kids say… what does a farmer do all day?

January 15, 2020

January 15, 2020

We asked students to tell us what they think a farmer does all day. Here are their answers. Bailey: I...

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.  ...

Senior Spotlight… Sam Wesley

April 17, 2020

April 17, 2020

What are your plans after high school?I will attend the University of Illinois. Who are three people you would like...

Comments
Leave a Reply