Sports
Redemption run: Powerful offensive attack leads Orem to 4A boys volleyball title | News, Sports, Jobs
1 / 12 Orem’s Lucky Jennings and his teammates celebrate after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald 2 / 12 Orem players celebrate after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem […]

- Orem’s Lucky Jennings and his teammates celebrate after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- Orem players celebrate after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- Orem’s Ben Hone (25) and Luke Wolsey celebrate after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- Orem players celebrate after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- Orem players celebrate after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- Orem players celebrate after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- Ben Hone holds the state championship trophy as Orem celebrates after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- UHSAA Executive Director Rob Cuff (right) hands the 4A boys volleyball state runner-up trophy to Timpanogos players at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- The Timpanogos boys volleyball team salutes its fans after a 3-0 loss to Orem in the 4A state finals at the UCCU Center on Thursday, may 8, 2025.
- Orem players celebrate after winning the 4A state championship match against Timpanogos at the UCCU Center in Orem on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- Orem’s Ben Hone (25) attacks against Jared Hansen of Timpanogos in the 4A boys volleyball state championship match at the UCCU Center on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
- Orem’s Lucky Jennings (8) and Luke Wolsey put up a block against Cooper Pope of Timpanogos in the 4A boys volleyball state championship match at the UCCU Center on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
When the Orem Tigers are in a groove, the offense comes at opponents from all angles.
In the 4A boys volleyball championship match on Thursday, Orem finished off its road to redemption with what coaches like to call a “team effort.”
The No. 1-seeded Tigers lost in a five-set heartbreaker in last year’s 4A final but took the big gold trophy in 2025, sweeping No. 7 and Region 8 foe Timpanogos 25-18, 25-19, 30-28 at the UCCU Center.
Who to stop? There’s the powerful swings of leading hitter Ben Hone, dynamic attacks from middles Aaron Nielsen and Luke Wolsey and kills from outsides Jackson Sanders and Aaron Maya. Even setter Lucky Jennings gets into the act and Treyvon Cly logged more than 100 kills before his conversion to libero.
There are plenty of options for Jennings to choose from and that diversity was on full display in the 4A final.
“I think for us, we have the manpower to do it so it’s just finding ways that we can trust our hitters to go up and have competitive swings,” Orem coach Bill Sefita said. “Instead of tip-toeing around the ball or tipping it, just go up there to swing with your heart.”
Nielsen, who led the Tigers with 13 kills, said, “It feels amazing. I mean, after last year, my main goal in life was just to win state this year. And I think we worked really hard and we put everything out there.”
Nielson posted five kills in the first set, including the winner on a nice feed from Jennings at 25-18. Set 2 was tied 10 times, including at 17 after a Cooper Pope kill for Timpanogos. Hone smashed a kill then teamed up with Neilsen for a block and a 21-18 lead. Orem scored the final four points of the set, which featured kills from Nielsen and Maya, then a block team up from Neilsen and Maya for the game winner at 25-19.
Timpanogos made a big push in Set 3. Pope had three kills early and the T-Wolves led 10-5 after an Orem hitting error. The Tigers took the lead back at 14-13 on an ace by Wolsey and the set went back and forth from there. Timpanogos tied things up at 21-all but Orem scored the next three points, getting a pair of kills from Wolsey, to reach championship point at 24-21. The T-Wolves fired back with four straight points led by a kill from Pope and an Orem error to take a 25-24 lead. The Tigers showed their mettle by fighting off set point four times.
Fittingly, a kill from Nielsen tied things up at 28 and after a hitting error from Timpanogos made it championship point again, Wolsey ended the night with a kill and the title was Orem’s to celebrate.
“We really had to focus on getting the passes and using the middles in the third set,” Hone said. “A lot of it was thinking about winning as a recipe and we have to be able to get all the ingredients into the recipe so we can come out with the W.”
Hone added 11 kills, Wolsey had six kills and six block assists, Maya scored five kills and Sanders four.
Sefita said he told his players not to focus on last year’s tough loss but the motivation was still there to change the outcome this time around.
“It hurt to lose last year,” Hone said. “I went through so many days of just regretting and saying I could have done things differently. That really helped, so that this year I could come back and be able to just give my all more and be able to feel so much better when I actually win it. Because last year wouldn’t have meant as much if I didn’t have to go through the loss.”
Timpanogos (15-10) was disappointed but encouraged by its late season run to the runner-up spot.
“The first set it looked like we had some jitters playing at this level and with this pressure,” T-Wolves coach Jared Stark said. “It was hard to get out of that. At the end of the day, we were playing against an incredible team with one of the most varied offenses that I’ve seen the entire season, 4A through 6A. Their middles are amazing. Their outsides are incredible and their setter is an attacker. They just vary it really well and that’s really hard to get a good grip on from a blocking and defensive standpoint. They really kept us on our heels.”
Pope led Timpanogos with 15 kills in his final high school performance and Jared Hansen added eight.
“This is one of those bittersweet things because we had the taste of beating the team we wanted to beat,” Stark said. “Orem beat us twice in region. But it’s awesome to take second, especially coming into the tournament the seventh seed. A lot of people didn’t expect that. Our kids have nothing to hang their heads about. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Orem (25-6) finished the season winning 16 of its final 18 matches, with the two losses coming to 6A teams Riverton and Corner Canyon.”It wasn’t a pretty season,” Sefita admitted. “We had a lot of adversity and that kind of hit us, but we asked the boys to continue to chip away one day at a time. We had a certain goal to win region and we did that. Our next goal was taking state. We were able to do that today dominating in three sets. The last set went longer but if its not one of those thing where it keeps you on the edge your seat, then it’s not a state championship match.”
Setita also coached the Orem girls volleyball team to its second straight state title in October.
“This team really worked hard to bond together,” Nielsen said. “We had three people quit this season and that was hard but we really just worked really hard and did a lot of activities together.”
His celebration plans?
“I think I’m going to get Mo’ Bettas and some gelato,” Nielsen said.
In other tournament action, No. 5 Payson punched above its weight and rebounded from its semifinal loss by defeating No. 3 Desert Hills 2-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-19) to claim third place.
No. 12 Mountain View kept the Region 8 momentum going by beating No. 10 Pine View 2-0 (25-16, 25-21) to finish in 6th place.
Sports
Huntington Beach loses again to formidable Mira Costa in volleyball regional final – Orange County Register
MANHATTAN BEACH — Sequels rarely live up to the standard set by the original and that was evident in the rematch between the Huntington Beach and Mira Costa boys volleyball teams. Eight days ago in the CIF-SS Division 1 final, Huntington Beach went toe-to-toe with the Mustangs in a five-set thriller that the Mustangs won. […]

MANHATTAN BEACH — Sequels rarely live up to the standard set by the original and that was evident in the rematch between the Huntington Beach and Mira Costa boys volleyball teams.
Eight days ago in the CIF-SS Division 1 final, Huntington Beach went toe-to-toe with the Mustangs in a five-set thriller that the Mustangs won.
But on Saturday night, the Oilers were swept by MaxPreps’ top-ranked team in the nation, 26-24, 25-20, 25-16, in the CIF Southern California Regional Division I final at Mira Costa High.
With the victory, the Mustangs (36-2) earned a trip to Fresno for the inaugural CIF State Championships for boys volleyball on Saturday May 31.
Huntington Beach (36-5) was rolling in the first set but was unable to hold on to its nine-point lead and also lost Colin Choi at a crucial point in the frame.
According to Oilers coach Craig Pazanti, Choi didn’t step on his teammates’ foot, he just rolled his ankle on his own after a big swing at the net. He returned in the second set but was unavailable for the final part of the first set.
“You know, we lose our best passer at the end of set one,” Pazanti said, “and who knows, would’ve, should’ve, could’ve, but I’m guessing if he doesn’t get hurt, we win set one. And you know, maybe it’s a different mental approach to the rest of the match. But give them (Mira Costa) a ton of credit.”
Mira Costa coach Greg Snyder concurred with Pazanti about Choi’s brief absence from the court.
“I think Colin injuring his ankle in that first set really was a change.” Snyder said. “I think we were coming back, but that opened the door and just our momentum completely shifted when that happened. And I honestly think that first set probably would have been won by Huntington if that didn’t happen. And this match would have been completely different.”
Oilers outside hitter Logan Hutnick had a match-high 17 kills and opposite Ben Arguello had nine kills.
Cooper Keane had a team-high 16 kills and Grayson Bradford added seven kills and 5.5 blocks.
The 6-11 Bradford was a towering figure at the net for Mira Costa, which had a 7-4 advantage in total blocks over the Oilers.
Pazanti looked back on the Oilers’ accomplishments this season, which include winning the Sunset League for the first time since 2016 and finishing the season 36-5 as a CIF SoCal Regional finalist.
“We played, including tonight, and if you include the Top 10 in CIF, including the two teams that finished in the finals of Division 2, played 21 matches against the Top 10 in CIF this year and we were 17-4, against the top (teams),” Pazanti said. “So we don’t duck anybody. Year to year, we’re going to play against the best competition, and that’s how we get better. It would have been nice to get one more match, but you can’t be disappointed when you have that kind of a season.”
Sports
Nelson, 4x400m Relay Win NCAA Titles
Story Links RESULTS GENEVA, Ohio – The Bethel Royals earned two national titles – one from Grant Nelson in the 400m dash, and 4x400m relay. Nelson won his first individual national title as he ran down John Carroll’s Barsheer Alharami in the final 80m and held off UW-LaCrosse’s Collin Conzemius to win in […]

RESULTS
GENEVA, Ohio – The Bethel Royals earned two national titles – one from Grant Nelson in the 400m dash, and 4x400m relay.
Nelson won his first individual national title as he ran down John Carroll’s Barsheer Alharami in the final 80m and held off UW-LaCrosse’s Collin Conzemius to win in a time of 46.678 seconds. Conzemius was 2nd in 46.680, Alharami was 3rd in 46.80, and Bethel’s Jacob Parent was 4th in 47.01.
The 4x400m relay team of Jacob Parent, Josh Thomsen, Victor Lelinga, and Grant Nelson earned the Royal’s back-to-back national titles in the event, this time, in a Division III record time of 3:06.52. Parent got out to a strong start and handed off to Thomsen in the lead. Thomsen battled with UW-LaCrosse’s Andrew Hackbarth through leg 2, and closed hard to hand off in the lead. Victor Lelinga had the fastest split of his life (46.84) to hold onto the lead into the final exchange. Grant Nelson once again held off UW-LaCrosse’s Collin Conzemius with the best split of the race, 45.34 seconds to give the Royals the title.
Jayson Ekiyor wrapped up his Bethel career with a 4th place finish in the 110H. Ekiyor hit hurdle 2 in the 110H, but managed to work his way through the field and into 4th with his time of 14.24. Ekiyor also placed 9th in the 400H with his time of 53.35.
Kelsie Sealock added two more All-Americans to her trophy case as she totalled 15 All-Americans in her career. Sealock placed 4th in the 100H with a time of 13.90 seconds, and 8th in the 400H with a time of 62.01.
Shalom Sulungaine made Bethel history, becoming the 1st Royal to earn All-American status in the women’s outdoor 400m dash. Sulungaine ran a program record 54.69 seconds to place 8th.
Anna Speratos ended her season with a top-10 finish in the hammer throw. Speratos had the 2nd best mark of her career with 52.00m / 170’7″, placing her 10th overall.
Sports
‘Monday Night At The Pit’ For LANL Interns!
Scenes of a previous ‘Monday Night at the Pit’ where Lab summer interns and the like meet and greet and enjoy a free picnic and play sand volleyball. Courtesy/UCLA By GEORGIA STRICKFADENThe United Church of Los Alamos Food and sand volleyball, at The United Church of Los Alamos Starting June 2, The United Church of […]

Scenes of a previous ‘Monday Night at the Pit’ where Lab summer interns and the like meet and greet and enjoy a free picnic and play sand volleyball. Courtesy/UCLA
By GEORGIA STRICKFADEN
The United Church of Los Alamos
- Food and sand volleyball, at The United Church of Los Alamos
Starting June 2, The United Church of Los Alamos is kicking off our tradition of “Monday Night at the Pit” where Lab summer interns and the like meet and greet and enjoy a free picnic.
We’ve got sand volleyball and a place to hang out and meet each other. This will continue every Monday all summer.
Join us at the volleyball court picnic tables near the corner of Canyon and Central, across from the Aquatic Center.
Dinner’s on us starting at 5:30 p.m. – we’re all about having fun and making you feel welcome!
Check us out at www.UnitedChurchLA.org.
Sports
Stevenson girls, Naperville North boys win state titles in thrilling fashion
After winning the past two IHSA girls state water polo championships, undefeated No. 1-ranked Stevenson (36-0) was going for the three-peat Saturday evening against No. 5 Lyons in its home pool. Trailing 4-2 after three quarters, the Patriots’ dynasty was in jeopardy of a huge upset by the Lions. But they came through in the […]

After winning the past two IHSA girls state water polo championships, undefeated No. 1-ranked Stevenson (36-0) was going for the three-peat Saturday evening against No. 5 Lyons in its home pool.
Trailing 4-2 after three quarters, the Patriots’ dynasty was in jeopardy of a huge upset by the Lions. But they came through in the fourth quarter to pull out a 6-5 victory to raise the first-place trophy for the seventh time in school history.
It was the 15th top-three trophy for Stevenson since taking second place in 2005, and its seventh first-place trophy since 2015.
After losing to the Patriots 18-9 on March 15, Lyons (23-6-1) played a fantastic game. Junior Avery Watanabe lofted a shot into the left corner of the net for a 4-2 lead 20 seconds into the third quarter.
The second goal by Stevenson’s Victoria Duncan from close range cut the lead to 4-3 with 6:25 left to play in the defensive struggle. Then Stevenson’s Jillian Carlson scored on a rebound goal to deadlock the score at 4-4 with 4:52 remaining.
Stevenson junior Olivia Spieth missed a penalty shot with 4:13 to go, but she got her own rebound and scored to give the Patriots the lead for good at 5-4. Then Spieth scored her third goal off of a Lyons turnover for a 6-4 lead with 1:19 left.
“I think it was definitely a challenge for us. We came back strong and we definitely wanted it,” said Spieth. “Honestly it was our defense that did it because offense wins games, but defense wins championships is what our coach (Jeff Wimer) always says.”
The Lions kept their hopes alive when freshman Maddie Wieczorkiewicz scored on a rebound goal past goalie Elsa Kusevskis to cut the gap to 6-5 with 35 seconds to play. But the Pats were able to run out the clock to seal the win and set off a huge celebration by the home crowd.
“They had a great game plan. We played into their hands, and fortunately we were able to overcome it,” said Wimer, who has 13 top-three trophies at Stevenson since 2008. “We’re very resilient, many times they’ve been down in games and they’ve come back and both goalies (Lyons goalie Delaney Judkins) played outstanding.”
Senior Maya Mladjan scored the first two goals for Lyons before teammate Isabella Recker’s goal gave the Lions a 3-2 lead which they held at halftime.
“All I can say is we tried our best and the last time we played Stevenson we lost by like 10 goals,” said Lyons coach Megan Jacobs, whose team beat York 14-11 in overtime in the semifinals. “We got all of our nerves out on Thursday (in the quarterfinals), and we’re ecstatic to take second.”
No. 2-ranked Naperville North (28-7-1) lost to Stevenson 9-7 in the semifinals before defeating York (22-6) 12-9 in the third-place game. Ava Podkasik scored 4 goals for the Huskies in the third-place game while teammate Payton Schrier had 3 goals. Emily Jensen had 4 goals for the Dukes while the Huskies got 4 assists and 2 goals from Molly Depies.
Boys championship
The IHSA boys state water polo championship was a game for the ages Saturday night at Stevenson as No. 2-ranked Naperville North trailed No. 1-ranked two-time defending state champion New Trier 6-2 at halftime.
But the Huskies (32-4) completely outplayed the Trevians (32-3) by shutting them out 5-0 in the second half to take home their first state championship in school history by a score of 7-6.
Naperville North’s stunning comeback started innocently enough as a goal by Mason Hofmann 51 seconds into the third quarter cut the lead to 6-3. But then Hofmann scored again just 27 seconds later to pull within 6-4.
Senior Jack Reif, whose Mom (Kelly Reif) is Naperville North’s head coach, cut the lead to 6-5 with 2:59 left in the third quarter before Hofmann’s third goal from the point tied the game at 6-6 with 5:32 to play.
Then came what proved to be the game-winning goal as Caden Tsao scored from close range to the left of goalie Zach Asinski. Huskies goalie Caleb Uson was flawless in the second half.
“We’ve been in situations like this and we never gave up,” said Hofmann, whose team took third in the state last year and now has five top-three trophies in school history. “We really just opened up the middle in the second half and it allowed our center (Reif) to drive in without a double team.”
The Huskies took a 1-0 lead 1:14 into the contest on a goal by John Riordan (2 first half goals). But New Trier rolled off five unanswered goals for a 5-1 lead midway through the second period.
“To be able to shut them out in the second half was incredible. We just had a lock down plan on No. 11 (Hank Woodman), and if we could limit his chances we could win a state championship,” said Kelly Reif, whose team was outshot 24-20 overall. “I feel very pleased to have the opportunity to be Mom and coach, and it is such a special bond I have with this team.”
The Trevians did have a shot hit the crossbar with 1:14 to play, but the Huskies were able to run out the clock after a save by Uson with eight seconds to go.
“They made a good defensive adjustment, and we just sort of ran out of time in the second half,” said New Trier coach David Rafferty-Flatter. “They have a lot of good players on that side of the pool, but I’m super proud of our guys.”
York (28-7) won the third-place game 9-5 over Whitney Young after losing to New Trier 8-6 in the semifinals. The Huskies beat Whitney Young 17-10 in the semifinals. Tim Jensen had 4 goals and 2 assists for the Dukes in the third-place game.
Lyons’ Avery Watanabe (10) moves the ball forward during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Stevenson’s Caroline Bichkoff (11) and Elsa Kusevskis (1) celebrate their win during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Lyons’ Delaney Judkins (1) with a block during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Stevenson’s Elsa Kusevskis (1) with a block during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Lyons’ Maya Mladjan (9) is pressured by Stevenson’s Jillian Carlson (6) and Dhanani Seneviratne (4) during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Stevenson celebrates their victory during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Lyons’ Avery Watanabe (10) tries to defend against Stevenson’s Caroline Bichkoff (11) during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Lyons’ Isabella Recker (3) looks to shoot past Stevenson’s Allison Bichkoff (13) during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Lyons’ Head Coach Megan Jacobs is thrown in the pool after her team took second place against Stevenson during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Lyons’ Isabella Recker (3) gets wrapped up by Stevenson’s Olivia Spieth (10) during the IHSA State Finals of the Girls Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s Mason Hofmann (6) looks for an open teammate over New Trier’s Hank Woodman (11) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s John Riordan (3) shoots and scores over New Trier’s Ethan Kim (10) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s Mason Hofmann (6) looks to shoot against New Trier during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s Jack Boudeman (4) shoots over New Trier’s Caden Carberry (8) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
New Trier’s Caden Adrianopoli (2) celebrates a goal over against Naperville North during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
against the Naperville North fans celebrate a goal during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s John Riordan (3) tries to block a shot by New Trier’s Caden Adrianopoli (2) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s Jacob Podkasik (7) tries to block a shot by New Trier’s Ethan Kim (10) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s Jacob Podkasik (7) looks for an open teammate during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North celebrates their win in the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s Caleb Uson (1) reacts after stopping a late 4th period shot during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s Jack Reif (2) shoots over New Trier’s Brendan Fijol (9) during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s Jack Reif (2) shoots against New Trier during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North’s Caden Tsao (11) shoots against New Trier to put them up during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Naperville North celebrates their win during the IHSA State Finals of the Boys Water Polo Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
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College track & field: Senior grad Gorton becomes two-time All-American | Local Sports
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Keystone Middle School hosts annual Day of Awesome
Keystone Middle School, 501 Opportunity Way in LaGrange, hosted the annual Day of Awesome event for its students. Headed by the school’s You Belong group, Day of Awesome, which took place May 22, was a school-wide event to promote inclusivity and connect students together, according to Ian Gould, Keystone Middle School school counselor. “Three years […]

Keystone Middle School, 501 Opportunity Way in LaGrange, hosted the annual Day of Awesome event for its students.
Headed by the school’s You Belong group, Day of Awesome, which took place May 22, was a school-wide event to promote inclusivity and connect students together, according to Ian Gould, Keystone Middle School school counselor.
“Three years ago, I said let’s try this out, and it has evolved from there — this is our big day,” Gould said. “The kids have given a lot of the ideas about what they want.”

The event, which usually takes place outdoors, featured a variety of activities throughout the school for students to participate in when not in their classrooms, he said.
With the help of many contributions, the activities included a slushy machine, a photo booth, inflatables, beach ball volleyball, giant cup pong, cornhole, giant Jenga and many more.
According to Gould, each grade level had the opportunity to participate in the fun.
The students returned to their classrooms where each teacher had a designated activity.
“I think it’s a really, really fun event,” said 13-year-old Aurora Polosky, You Belong student ambassador at Keystone Middle School. “It’s a way to reflect on the year and our accomplishments.”
Over the last month or so, students were able to earn tickets as part of PBIS, or positive behavioral interventions and support, for good behavior, by following classroom rules or simply being kind to another student, Gould said.
Students had the opportunity to use their tickets as entries to win prizes, like local business gift cards or a Kendra Scott necklace, he said.
“What this day really brings is a lot of connectivity, that there are people who wouldn’t always go outside their cliques,” Gould said. “This day is for everyone; it’s a big community effort.”
The You Belong group is a collection of around 60 students and 15 student ambassadors who help make the school a better place to learn by including everyone through acts of kindness or activities, Gould said.
The Mental Health and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County, which has programs in a variety of local schools, created You Belong as a way to combat student loneliness, he said.
“I just wanted to include people; I know a lot of people around the school don’t really have friends or get left out all of the time,” said 13-year-old Hannah Fletcher, You Belong student ambassador at Keystone Middle. “I wanted to be one of those people to help out, and make everybody feel like they have someone to talk to and hangout with.”
Zoey Allen, 12, and a You Belong student ambassador at Keystone Middle, likes the program.
“People who aren’t normally friends are having fun together,” Zoey said. “I feel like this program has done a lot.”

According to Gould, many school employees, local businesses and organizations collaborated to bring prizes and activities to the students, including the school custodians and food service workers.
Partners included Becca’s Choo Choo, Beth Moore, The Lucky Penny Café, Carlisle Golf Course, Romeo’s Pizza LaGrange, The Bulldog Pub and Grille, Tiger Martial Arts, The Barn: Salon and Spa, Subway of LaGrange, the LaGrange Lions Club, GTO Spacewalk of Grafton, RAK Photobooths, Keystone Middle and High Schools PTA, parent volunteers, the MHARS Board, Jessica Jones and Mike Ferrer.
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