Sam Wesley

Baseball (4 years), Football (3 years), AMP, Spanish Club, Future Spartans Mentoring Program, Maroon Platoon

Sam lives in St. Joseph with his mom and dad. He has an older sister, Hannah. His hobbies include traveling and hanging out with friends and family. Sam has a lot of great memories at SJO, including positive memories of baseball each spring. During his freshman year, he remembers going to the IHSA State Baseball Tournament in Peoria. During his sophomore year, he remembers the last at bat for the Spartans, and during his junior year, he will never forget competing in the sectional championship game vs. Tuscola at Illinois Wesleyan University. During his senior year, Sam has positive memories about playing football at SJO, and he has really enjoyed taking the classes he has wanted to take. After high school, Sam will attend the University of Illinois to major in Ag Accounting. His sister also attends the U of I, so Sam is excited they will both be at the same place. His advice for future SJO students is to have fun, get involved, and to not be afraid to be yourself. His favorite classes at SJO are Economics with Mr. Schacht, Calculus with Mrs. Steffen, and English 101/102 with Mrs. Lindenmeyer. Over the years, Sam has many favorite teachers including Mrs. Dunn, Mr. Miller, Mr. Risley, and Mr. Steele at St. Joseph Grade School and St. Joseph Middle School. At SJO, his favorite teachers are Mrs. Kerner, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Schacht, Mrs. Steffen, and Mrs. Lindenmeyer. Congrats to Sam on all of his accomplishments and best of luck to him in the future. 

Jillian Plotner

Cross Country (4 years), Track and Field (4 years), Maroon Platoon

Jillian lives in St. Joseph with her mom and dad. Her hobbies include hanging out with family and friends and athletically training for her sports. Jillian has many great memories of SJO, including going to home football games. She really enjoys the community base of SJO, as she is able to share her academic and athletic accomplishments with others. After high School, Jillian wants to major in Forensic Anthropology related to Criminal Justice. Her advice for future SJO students is to cherish every moment of high school. Her favorite classes at SJO are U.S. History with Mr. Beckett and Biology with Mrs. Kietzman. Her all-time favorite teachers over the years are Mrs. Gherna in 1st grade and Mrs. Singleton in 2nd grade. Congrats to Jillian on all of her accomplishments and best of luck to her in the future. 

Karsyn Wetzel

Student Council (4 years), Drama Club (4 years), Chorus

Karsyn lives in St. Joseph with her mom and dad. She has two younger brothers. Her hobbies include hanging out with family and friends and working. Her greatest memories at SJO were last year’s musical, which was her absolute favorite experience. She has also enjoyed being on the executive board for the Student Council. She will always remember the last home football game for Senior Night. After high school, Karsyn plans to attend Eastern Illinois University and will major in middle school education with an English emphasis. Her advice for future SJO students is to get involved, and to cherish time with friends because high school goes by way too fast. Her favorite classes at SJO are U.S. History, Sociology, Advanced Civics, and English 101/102. Her favorite teachers throughout the years have been Mrs. Jeffers in 6th grade at St. Joseph Middle School and Mr. Schacht, Mr. Kieffer, and Mrs. Lindenmeyer at SJO. Congrats to Karsyn on all of her accomplishments and best of luck to her in the future. 

Anna Wentzloff

Girls’ Basketball (4 years), Volleyball (4 years), Track and Field (4 years), Spanish Club,  Maroon Platoon, Maroon Platoon Leader, FCA, SADA

Anna lives in St. Joseph with her mom and younger sister, Lili. Her hobbies include spending time with friends and family, watching Netflix, and playing sports. Anna has many great memories at SJO. During the 2018-2019 volleyball season, the SJO volleyball team hosted a benefit for Anna, who had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Since then, she has made a full recovery, which we are so thankful for. Anna is very thankful for all of the support from students, teachers, teammates, and the community during that tough time. Anna has also been a regular for IHSA State tournaments at Redbird Arena the past couple of years. During her junior year, Anna and the SJO varsity girls’ basketball team earned a 3rd place state trophy. During her senior year, Anna and the SJO varsity volleyball team earned a 3rd place state trophy as well. After high school, Anna plans to attend Parkland College and then wants to transfer to the University of Illinois to major in human and family development. Anna wants to become a child life specialist for oncology pediatrics. Her advice for future SJO students is to get involved, enjoy every minute, and do not take anything for granted. Anna’s favorite classes at SJO have been all of her math classes with Mrs. Rash, Mr. Duval, Mrs. Krisman, and Mrs. Steffen. She has also enjoyed study hall with Mrs. Brooks. Over the years, Anna’s favorite teachers include Mrs. Kinney, Mr. Risley, and Mrs. Bayles. Congrats to Anna on all of her accomplishments and best of luck to her in the future.