Liberty Musicians and Martino Runners Honored by School Board

February 3, 2026/

Spread the love

New Lenox School District 122 Board Meeting | December 16, 2025

Article Summary: The Board of Education recognized student athletes and musicians for their state-level achievements in cross country and music performance.

Student Recognition Key Points:

Martino 7th graders Ava Zartler and Ellie Hoff were honored for earning medals at the IESA State Cross Country Meet.
Liberty musicians Dominic Casey and Alaina DeBoer were recognized for their selection to the ILMEA State Festival.
The Liberty Jr. High Patriot Chorus and Allegro String Ensemble performed holiday selections.

Talented students took center stage at the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, as trustees honored accomplishments in both athletics and the arts.

The board recognized Martino Jr. High Cross Country team members Ava Zartler and Ellie Hoff for their performance at the IESA State Cross Country Meet held in Normal, Illinois, in October. Competing against runners from across the state, Zartler placed 20th and Hoff placed 22nd. Coaches praised the athletes for their drive, passion, and work ethic.

In the arts, the board honored Liberty Jr. High musicians Dominic Casey (percussion/band) and Alaina DeBoer (bass/orchestra). Both students were selected to perform in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) State-Level Band and Orchestra ensemble. They will travel to Peoria in January to participate in the ILMEA State Festival.

“The musicians auditioned alongside thousands of their peers from across Illinois where their performances received top ratings,” said Liberty Band Director Jennifer Clarke.

Prior to the business portion of the meeting, the Liberty Jr. High Patriot Chorus, Voices of Freedom, and Allegro String Ensemble performed holiday selections for the board and audience.

⚠️ High Wind Warning issued June 11 at 3:00PM CDT until June 11 at 4:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

⚠️ Special Weather Statement issued June 11 at 2:46PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

⚠️ Tornado Watch issued June 11 at 2:02PM CDT until June 11 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 11 at 12:39PM CDT until June 11 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

85° 58°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

💨 15 to 20 mph 💧 45%

Latest News Stories

DOJ probes Berkeley riot; Illinois TPUSA warns hostility isn’t just in California

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice launched a civil rights investigation into University of California Berkeley after...

Lawmakers, victims call for release of Epstein files ahead of vote

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Republicans, Democrats and alleged victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein called on the U.S. House of Representatives to approve a resolution Tuesday to release...

Jeffries could face far-left Democratic primary challenge

By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Empire State's congressional delegation may skew more progresive in the coming midterms. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies could face a far-left primary challenge from...

‘Consequential’ day ahead for future household electricity costs

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – PJM’s Board of Directors is preparing to make one of the most consequential decisions of this...

WATCH: Chicago committee rejects proposed tax hikes; Hemp industry wants regulation

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from...

Illinois quick hits: Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act ready for Trump

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act ready for Trump Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Schaumburg, says a bipartisan bill she sponsored is headed...

From DC to Memphis, US Marshals arresting thousands, taking guns off streets

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After President Donald Trump directed federal law enforcement officers to crack down on crime in major U.S. cities, thousands have been arrested and thousands of...

Biz groups, states ask SCOTUS to block California emissions reporting laws

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Business groups and a collection of two dozen other states have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and block California...

Chicago council committee rejects mayor’s proposed tax hikes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council Committee on Finance has rejected a package of higher taxes proposed by Mayor...

Illinois quick hits: Elections board considers primary election petition objections

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Elections board considers primary election petition objections Gov. J.B. Pritzker has one challenger in the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial primary. Former Chicago...

Feds: Illegal commercial drivers licenses issued in California

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square A federal agency reported the California Department of Motor Vehicles illegally issued thousands of commercial drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants. According to the U.S. Department...

Socialist candidate runs against Los Angeles mayor

By Dave MasonThe Center Square A trend of socialist mayoral candidates in the nation’s biggest cities is continuing with housing advocate Rae Chen Huang’s candidacy against Los Angeles Mayor Karen...

193 youth in care of Illinois’ child welfare agency missing in 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – So far this calendar year, Illinois’ child welfare agency reports 193 missing youth in care, an increase...

Hemp industry advocate promises to work with Pritzker, lawmakers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker and an advocate for the Illinois hemp industry have different views on reform after...

Bill would make health care sharing ministries tax deductible

By Tate MillerThe Center Square The president of a health sharing ministry says he supports a bill that would make health share systems tax deductible, additionally stating that health sharing...

« Previous
1
…
117
118
119
120
121
…
173
Next »