Marlie, a 7th grader, was nominated by Coach Ropp, who wrote, "Marlie is a positive, tender-hearted presence who provides energy and a little bit of silliness to the volleyball team. She is an encourager to her teammates whether she is playing or not. Marlie hustles, works hard at improving her skills and is very receptive to directions for improvement from her coaches. She has improved so much from the 1st day of tryouts. Marlie feels that the skill she has improved on the most is her passing." Marlie is also involved in Girls Basketball, Band, and Cares Clowns.

Hunter, a 7th grader, was nominated by Miss Merritt, who wrote, "Hunter came to the Junior High as a new student this year and fit right in. His outgoing personality and super work ethic has shown through every day. Hunter comes to the ACES program daily to assist with a student in helping get his books, folders and computer ready for class. Hunter has formed a wonderful, caring relationship with this student. He is a wonderful mentor to this student in the classes he attends with him. Hunter greets every student in the ACES program with a warm hello. He has a great rapport with all the staff members and students. He is an advocate for anyone in need and is an outstanding role model for both 7th and 8th graders. We truly enjoy every day we get to see Sir Duke!" Hunter is also involved in baseball and basketball.



#ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk

#ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk

Braxton, an 8th grader, was nominated by Coach Webster, who wrote, "Braxton this year has really embraced what the sport of wrestling is. He shows up everyday ready to work hard and get better. He has shown big improvements over the last year and has really stepped up for his team this season in big matches and duals. He continues to develop his leadership qualities and has become a big part of this team. His current record is 12-1 and he placed 3rd in the Tyler Johnson Memorial Tournament at Bloomington JH. I look forward to watching him continue to grow and develop not only this season, but throughout the rest of his academic career." Braxton is also involved in Band, Football, Track, and FFA.

Elliot, a 7th grader, was nominated by Mr. Johnson, who wrote, "Elliot always does a great job in Physical Education. It doesn't matter if it is Elliot trying to learn a new skill or Elliot helping out his classmates and encouraging them, he always sets a great example for his classmates. Elliot has been especially helpful over the last few weeks as we navigate Physical Education without a gym. Elliot has gone above and beyond by always helping set tables up for lunch after we have Physical Education in the cafeteria everyday. Elliot's willingness to always help out and set a high standard for the class has made this difficult situation easier on everyone." Elliot is involved in Student Council as well.








Maddie, an 8th grader, was nominated by Coach McBride, who wrote, ""Maddy is our Cheer Athlete of the Week for her dedication, leadership, and positive attitude. This is Maddy's second year cheering at the Junior High. She consistently set a great example for her teammates by being respectful, encouraging, and hardworking.
Maddy put in extra effort during every practice, focusing on improving her jumps, sidelines, and stunting skills. Her positive energy and willingness to help others made a big difference for the entire squad.
We are proud of Maddy for her commitment and leadership, and we appreciate the positive impact she had on our cheer team this season! "
Maddie is also involved in volleyball and yearbook.

Makayla, a 7th grader, was nominated by Mrs. Ritter, who wrote, "I chose Makayla as Student of the Week because her passion for science shines every single day. She is curious, hardworking, and consistently engaged, always going above and beyond to make real-world connections. Science is truly her jam. Makayla approaches labs like a true professional—careful, committed, and fully invested, as if being a scientist is already her job. Makayla walks into class with joy, brings positivity to everyone around her, and shows the kind of responsibility I know I can always trust. Keep shining bright, Makayla! I am so proud of you!" Makayla is also involved in Chorus, Volleyball, Peer Partners, and CARES Clowns.

Due to projected extreme cold temperatures for tomorrow morning, Prairie Central Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26th. District activities that are scheduled for Monday will be evaluated over the next 24 hours. These decisions will be communicated by our athletic directors once they are finalized.
Stay safe, stay warm, and have a good evening.
Brian Quam
Superintendent
Prairie Central CUSD 8


The Illini Prairie Conference Scholastic Bowl Tournament originally scheduled for Saturday, January 24 has been postponed to next Saturday, January 31 at 9am at PCHS.
#ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk
#StayWarm
#ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk


Good afternoon Prairie Central,
This is a notification that school will be closed on Friday, January 23rd due to extreme cold conditions. There will be no practices or school activities taking place tomorrow during the day and scheduled night time activities will be decided early afternoon on Friday. The status of these activities will be communicated by our athletic directors through our school app and social media. All activities scheduled for Thursday, January 22 will continue as planned. At this time, all events on Saturday, January 24 will remain scheduled as planned but will be evaluated over the next 24 hours.
Stay safe and stay warm, and Go Hawks!
Brian Quam
Superintendent
Prairie Central CUSD 8

