Liberty Musicians and Martino Runners Honored by School Board
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Negative net migration is harmful to the economy, economists say
Texas House sues six Democrats absconding in California
Will County Health Department Seeks $1 Million to Avert ‘Drastic’ Service Cuts from Expiring Grants
Will County’s “First-in-Nation” Veterans Center to House Workforce Services, Sparking Debate
Improved Vendor Service Creates $1.2 Million Shortfall in Sheriff’s Medical Budget
Will County Public Works Committee Unveils 25-Year Transportation Plan, Projects $258 Million Gap
Will County Animal Protection Services Seeks New Facility Amid “Gaping Wound” of Space Crisis
Board Confronts Animal Services Crowding, Explores Future Facility Options
Will County Board Members Demand Transparency in Cannabis Tax Fund Allocation
Homer Glenn Residents Push Back on 143rd Street Widening as Officials Signal “Tentative Agreement”
Will County Forges 2026 Federal Agenda Amid D.C. Policy Shifts, ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts
Health Department Seeks $1 Million Levy Increase to Prevent “Weakened System”
