Last Friday night, the Senior Pep Band members, Poms girls, Cheerleaders & Basketball players participated in Teacher Appreciation Night 2025.
Each Senior chose a teacher/staff member who has made a difference in their life.
Alexandria Nelson has chosen Mr. Julian Castillo. Alexandria chose Mr. Castillo because he encourages students to keep going even when they’ve made a mistake. He is always kind and welcomes everyone. Mr. Castillo made Alexandria see things differently and see that making a mistake is an opportunity to make a change to make things better.
Colton Hawk has chosen Mr. Kelly Damann. Colton chose Mr. Damann because he has been the most helpful, caring, and understanding teacher at ICHS. Mr. Damann has always been there to help Colton find a solution when there has been a problem or an issue. Mr. Damann truly cares about his students and somehow always finds a way to put a smile on Colton’s face.
Lauren Harms has chosen Mrs. Jamie Droge. Lauren chose Mrs. Droge because she has always been supportive of her and her career aspirations. Lauren says that the support from Mrs. Droge has meant so much to her throughout her HS career, and she is entering the science field due to Mrs. Droge and her love for teaching science.
Macy McLaughlin has chosen Mr. Tony Wherley. Macy chose Mr. Wherley because he motivates her to be a better student and athlete, but also a better person. Mr. Wherley always encourages Macy to do her best and to never take criticism from someone that she wouldn’t take advice from. Mr. Wherley always reminds Macy that “Life is Good.”
Taylor Keihn has chosen Mr. Colby Bunner. Taylor chose Mr. Bunner because he has always pushed her to be the best both on and off the basketball court. Taylor appreciates how much you can tell that Mr. Bunner cares about every girl on the basketball team. Taylor is still learning from Mr. Bunner each day, like how to avoid debt.
Madi Brooks has chosen Mr. Miles Allen. Madi chose Mr. Allen because he is a very influential person in her life. Mr. Allen has taught Macy responsibility and has helped her become the person that she is today. Madi shares that Mr. Allen is one of her biggest cheerleaders, and will always have a lasting impact on her life.
Krislyn Dietrich has chosen Mr. Tony Thomas. Krislyn chose Mr. Thomas because he is always encouraging her to do the best of her ability. Mr. Thomas has always found a way to put a smile on Krislyn’s face.
Miranda Walters has chosen Mr. Ryan Burks. Miranda chose Mr. Burks because he is not only a great teacher, but a great leader and role model. Miranda has been lucky to have been a student of Mr. Burks, and has also worked for him in the office. Her best memories have been shared with Mr. Burks during the basketball season.
Druin Evans has chosen Ms. Rachel Bohannan. Druin chose Ms. Bohannan because she has always been there for him whenever he has asked her. Druin believes that Ms. Bohannan actually cares about kids and isn’t over dramatic about anything. She shows up everyday with a great attitude, and gives off a vibe that students want to be around.
David Bard has chosen Mrs. Annie Baugher. David chose Mrs. Baugher because she always pushes him to be a better version of himself. Her guidance and support has made a significant impact on David’s life, and who he is today.
Thank you to these Illini Central staff members for the impact they have on their students' lives.