Manteno High School Announces Graduating Class of 2023
Congrats to the Manteno High School Class of 2023! Photo by Madeleine Willis.
By: Madeleine Willis
The Commencement Ceremony for Manteno High School’s graduating class of 2023 took place on Sunday, May 21st, 2023.
145 seniors received diplomas this past weekend. Two students made addresses to their fellow classmates, Valedictorian Nalatie Meyer, and Salutatorian Ethan Godsey.
Natalie Meyer, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2023, felt a sense of pride addressing her peers that she has grown up with for the past 13 years.
Meyer described her achievement of being named Valedictorian as “the best feeling ever.”
“It wasn’t always the easiest thing to do,” she said, “I knew what it would be like to achieve that goal and so I think that’s what kept driving me to get there.”
Meyer has large ambitions for the future; she has been directly enrolled in the University of Iowa’s Pharmacy program as part of their assured admissions program for incoming freshmen.
At the commencement ceremony, Meyer spoke a lot about passion. In her next chapter at the University of Iowa, she is looking forward to honing in on her passions and helping people in an even greater capacity.
Ethan Godsey was named the Class of 2023 Salutatorian and also made an address to his class. In 7th grade, Godsey set the goal for himself to be named the Salutatorian and give a speech at graduation.
“We’ve got some really smart kids in our grade, so to be able to call myself Salutatorian, especially of that class, I am very happy,” he said.
Godsey plans to attend Illinois Wesleyan to study Kinesiology and Business. Godsey will also be a member of Wesleyan’s track and field team.
Looking forward to college, Godsey plans on living in the moment. He believes college is set up so that he may further explore himself.
Upon reflection of his time at MHS, Godsey said he will miss his teacher’s the most.
“We have teachers that care about the students and not about just teaching them,” he said, “They teach you life lessons rather than normal curriculum stuff.”
Meyer also spoke to the people and faculty at MHS.
“I will miss…the sense of community the high school has given me,” Meyer said
Classifieds
KCC, Community to Celebrate Independence Day!
Spread the loveThe tradition of celebrating Independence Day with live music followed by fireworks will continue Thursday, July 4, along the south banks of the Kankakee River. The event includes three live music performances. Kankakee Community College gates open at 4:30 p.m., and admission is $20 per carload. All proceeds benefit the Kankakee Valley Symphony…
Silence Broken at Manteno Village Board
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The silence was broken. And in one resident’s mind, it caused some fighting words. One of the things that has Gotion protesters at Manteno Village Board meetings seeing red is the silence of the board during the public comments section. It’s a standard policy for some governing bodies to choose…
‘Echoes Across the Tracks’ Book Signing and Cocktail Hour
Spread the loveStep aboard the historic City of New Orleans train for an unforgettable evening of literature, history, and elegance, as recently published author David Moravec hosts a book signing and cocktail hour for his acclaimed novel, “Echoes Across the Tracks.” This unique event, presented in partnership with Visit Kankakee County and the Kankakee County…
Manhattan Welcomes New Officer, Smoker Storage a Hot Topic
Spread the love By Stephanie Irvine The Village of Manhattan hired a new full-time police officer at the June 18 meeting. Officer Gerald Causer was sworn in and comes to the Village of Manhattan with 20 years of experience, most recently with the Braidwood Police Department. Two agenda items received considerable discussion, including the intergovernmental…
Weekly Farmers Markets
Spread the loveThis week at the local Farmers Markets: Beecher – Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 540 Oak Park Avenue; Peotone – Market in the Park, Tuesday, July 9, from 4-8 p.m., Peotone Park; Crete – Mondays, from 4-8 p.m., at Main and Exchange, held in conjunction with Classic Car…
Kankakee Kulivators Present Annual Garden Tour, Artisan Faire
Spread the loveKankakee Kultivators will present their annual Garden Tour and Artisan Faire, “Back to Our Roots,” on Thursday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets invite garden buffs to stroll through and explore seven private gardens, with a midday break for box lunches provided by Honey Baked Ham. The following talented, generous…
Weekly Farmers Markets
Spread the loveThis week at the Local Farmers Markets: Beecher – Saturday, June 22 and July 13, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 540 Oak Park Avenue; Peotone – Market in the Park, Tuesday, July 9, from 4-8 p.m., Peotone Park; Crete – Mondays, from 4-8 p.m., at Main and Exchange, held in conjunction…
KCHD Announces Heat Information
Spread the loveWith high temperatures expected during the next couple of days, the Kankakee County Health Department is urging everyone to take preventive measures during this hot weather to avoid heat-related illness, such as heat stroke. Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to the heat. Symptoms of heat stroke include: Body temperature of 105°F or…
Aidan Steffen Troop 382’s Newest Eagle Scout
Spread the loveSaturday, June 8, was a big day for Aidan Steffan and St. Joseph Church, as it was the dedication of the Saint Joseph shelter, which was built behind the church in Manteno. The project was organized and engineered by Aidan, from Manteno Boy Scout Troop 382, for his Eagle Scout project. In addition…
Vandalism Didn’t Take the Pillow Out This Time in Manteno
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva The jumping pillow on the Square on Second in Manteno opened five years ago, but is feeling its age. The attraction has proven to be popular, and people are missing it, as it is closed for repairs for an undetermined amount of time. Superintendent of Public Works Jim Hanley gave…
KPL Presents ‘Taste of Juneteenth Celebration’
Spread the loveThe Kankakee Public Library, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, will host a Juneteenth Celebration on June 18, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m, which will be held throughout the library. It is free and open to the public, as well as inclusive for all ages. Each floor will…
This Week at the Farmers Markets
Spread the loveThis week at the Local Farmers Markets: Beecher – Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 540 Oak Park Avenue; Peotone – Market in the Park, Tuesday, June 18, from 4-8 p.m., Peotone Park; Crete – Mondays, from 4-8 p.m., at Main and Exchange, held in conjunction with Classic Car…
Illinois ESGR Banquet Honors Employers Supporting National Guard/Reserve Employees
Spread the loveBrig. Gen. Dan McDonough, Assistant Adjutant General – Air of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, was the keynote speaker for the Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Awards Banquet, May 17, at the Marriott in Normal. The banquet honored employers throughout the state who…
Swing Back Stronger with Riverside’s New Titleist Performance Institute Golf Rehabilitation Program
Spread the loveRiverside is excited to launch its new Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) golf rehabilitation program, geared toward golf enthusiasts looking to elevate their game. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this program to our community,” said TPI-certified physical therapist Marcus Rinaldi, DPT. Our goal is to provide golfers with the specialized care…