Embedded Files
FFA Section 21 Agronomy Contest Success!
FFA Section 21 Agronomy Contest Success!
Evan Kroeger, a member of the Nashville FFA Chapter, recently competed in the FFA Section 21 Agronomy contest at Kaskaskia College. This was Evan's first time competing in the contest and he finished as the 2nd highest placing senior in the event Eleven Schools and 55 students competed in the contest. For his success, Evan was awarded at least 6 free hours of Agricultural classes at Kaskaskia College from the Ag Department. Congratulations Evan!
Photo Credit: Mr. Harre
Put Some 'Pep' in Your Step and Cheer for NCHS
Put Some 'Pep' in Your Step and Cheer for NCHS
Have you been wanting to participate in the fun in The Nest student section, but are not sure how to join? The answer is simple–join the NCHS Pep Club! Anyone can join the Pep Club at any time and there are no requirements for meeting attendance or organizational events. To join, the Senior Leaders simply ask that you participate in the student section dress-up themes and come out to support our Hornets and Hornettes! Pep Club sponsor Mrs. O’Rear encourages students to expand their school involvement by participating in Pep Club. She shares, “Pep Club is a great way for students to be involved at NCHS. The only requirements to be a member are to be a Hornet/Hornette fan and to have fun! Our Senior Leaders work hard to plan out fun themes that are easy for students to participate in. We love seeing new members show up to games to join the fun!” Students can check the school website for complete Hornet and Hornette basketball schedules. We hope to see you in The Nest!
By: Lily Emge, Class of '26
Pictured above: The Nest rooting for our Hornette Volleyball Team! Let's get fired up for basketball season!
Photo Credit: Mrs. Bergmann
Pass the Painting!
Pass the Painting!
At their November 19th meeting, Art Club did a painting swap activity. Students started with their painting in the beginning and then rotated their paintings every 8 - 10 minutes. By the end of the activity, 6 students added to their painting. They were able to take their final artwork home.
8 minutes to add creativity...GO!
🖌️🎨🖼️ 🖌️🎨🖼️ 🖌️🎨🖼️ 🖌️🎨🖼️ 🖌️🎨🖼️ 🖌️🎨🖼️
So many possibilities when adding to artwork about cats.
Spooooooky ideas built this great piece.
Art Club members go home with creative memories!
Photo Credit: Mrs. Schultz
Nashville FFA Succeeded at Section 21 Horse Judging
Nashville FFA Succeeded at Section 21 Horse Judging
On November 1st, FFA members participated in the Section 21 Horse Judging Career Development Event held at the Kind Saddle Club in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. During the contest, participants judged four ring halter horses that included Mariners and Geldings of different breeds. Participants also judged a Ranch Pleasure Class and a Western Horsemanship Class. In the Section 21 competition, Nashville placed 3rd as a team, Sydney King placed 2nd and Clara Kozueszek placed 8th as individual competitors.
Article by: Jayla Ledford, FFA Reporter
FFA members who participated were (l to r): Clara Kozuszek, Mackenzie Hornbostle, Quinn Rommelman, Rylee Habbe, Sydney King, and Aspen Fark.
Photo Credit: Jayla Ledford, FFA Reporter
Nashville FFA Members Attend National Convention
Nashville FFA Members Attend National Convention
Once every year members of FFA gather together at the National FFA Convention. The tradition dates back to 1928 as a way for members to come together for fellowship and decide on important matters. For almost a century, National Convention has grown to be much more.
This year the convention was held in Indianapolis and six of our own NCHS FFA students, accompanied by Zach Kabat, attended from October 29th to November 1st. When asked about the experience, Senior Maliah Riechmann shared that the National FFA Convention is one of the largest conventions held in Indianapolis with over 73,000 members attending. "During this convention, we saw people from all over the nation and made memories that will last forever." She stated that her favorite part of the trip was being able to walk on stage at the Colts Stadium as she, along with a couple other students, achieved the National Chapter Award, placing three stars, the highest that one can achieve. She also said that the convention has helped her to find other options for college and scholarships. "Overall, this was one of the best trips I have ever been on and I enjoyed every second of it." Senior Ethan Malone shared that his favorite part of the experience was all the joy and laughter along with meeting new people. He also shared his experience talking to companies in the Expo Hall. "There are a lot of potential colleges that I could go to with ag, welding, or even in the military; there's a huge opportunity there." He says that the convention opened his eyes to more colleges that are out of state that others may not look at. Similarly, Clara Kozuszek, junior, shared that she also enjoyed seeing and meeting all the FFA members from across the nation. She shares a memory from one of the sessions of listening to the motivational speaker, A'ric Jackson, speak on being your authentic self. "From making connections at the exposition center, I got to have one on one conversations with different college recruiters to help decide what college best suits me." She stated that she specifically had networked with recruiters from Texas A and M, which she later got to see again the following weekend at a college visit. "Without my experience at the National FFA convention I wouldn't have broadened my horizons of different colleges, made the connections I've built, and learned about the leadership opportunities of the future!"
Article by: Olivia Ingram, Class of 2028
FFA Members attending National Convention (left to right): Clara Kozuszek, Dakota Hanenberger, Mr. Zach Kabat, Ethan Malone, Chloe Kurwicki, Brooke Wisely, and Maliah Riechmann.
Nashville student's view of NCHS recognition in Lucas Oil Stadium
Photo Credit: Jayla Ledford, FFA Reporter and contribution from Olivia Ingram
Math Team Completes Fourth Competition
Math Team Completes Fourth Competition
The NCHS MATH TEAM competed in the fourth contest in the South Western Illinois College Math Conference on Monday, November 3. All of these students did a fantastic job.
Please CONGRATULATE the following students who placed from Nashville in Division 2A:
Taylor Lennon placed 3rd out of all Freshmen in the individual event.
Austin Downey placed 4th and Jacie Ellis placed 87th out of all Sophomores in the individual event.
Jacob Kula placed 7th out of all Juniors in the Individual event.
Left to right:, Row 1: Jacie Ellis, Taylor Lennon, and, Izabel Zgonina. Row 2: Austin Downey, Jacob Kula, Roark Paszkiewicz, and Jaylen Jones.
Photo Credit: Mr. Markotay
Scholastic Hi-Q Competes at SIUC
Scholastic Hi-Q Competes at SIUC
Four students had the opportunity to participate in Scholastic Hi-Q on Monday, October 27. Hi-Q is a knowledge-based competition between two teams that is produced and supported by WSIU Public Broadcasting and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. NCHS competed against a tough Carterville team and did not advance, but the episode will be uploaded to this site when available.
Hi-Q Team Members Lily Emge, Jaylen Jones, Ari Alfeldt, and Johnathan Bronke
Photo Credit: Mrs. Spenner
Math Team Completes Third Competition
Math Team Completes Third Competition
The NCHS MATH TEAM competed in the third contest in the South Western Illinois College Math Conference on Monday, October 20. All of these students did a fantastic job.
Please CONGRATULATE the following students who placed from Nashville in Division 2A:
Conner Timmerman placed 8th out of all Freshmen in the individual event.
Austin Downey placed 4th and Izabel Zgonina placed 7th out of all Sophomores in the individual event.
Lucas Dunn placed 7th and Max Reeder placed 8th out of all Seniors in the Individual event.
Left to right: Austin Downey, Jacob Kula, Jaylyn Jones, Izabel Zgonina, Max Reeder, Lucas Dunn, Taylor Lennon, and Connor Timmerman
Photo Credit: Mr. Markotay
FFA Land Use Team Competition
FFA Land Use Team Competition
The FFA Land Use Team (soil judging and evaluation) under the direction of Mr. Rick Harre recently were very successful at the Section 21 Land Use Contest hosted by Kaskaskia College and held near Dix.
The team of Clara Kozuszek, Abby Cottom, Noah Niedbalski, Rylee Habbe and Matthew Hentges finished 2nd out of the 12 schools from Section 21. Waltonville finished 1st, and Mt. Venon was 3rd in the event.
Nashville had 3 individuals score in the Top Ten in the contest, including Noah Niedbalski (6th Place Individual), Rylee Habbe (7th Place Individual) and Matthew Hentges (9th Place Individual).
Congratulations, students.
Adam Ryterski, Noah Niedbalski, Rylee Habbe, Clara Kozuszek, Matthew Hentges, and Abby Cottom
Photo Credit: Rick Harre
National Honor Society Volunteers for St. Jude Fundraiser
National Honor Society Volunteers for St. Jude Fundraiser
On Sunday, October 12, Honor Society members volunteered at the 9th annual fundraiser for St. Jude at the Blue Room in New Minden. Students engaged with the crowd to collect donations and offer face painting. It was a meaningful way to spend a fall afternoon.
Lucas, Max, Lucas, and Will are protectors of donations.
Who's ready for face painting?
Jadyn is busy creating a masterpiece.
Makayla is laser focused.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Tesha Maschhoff
Are You Ready for an Academic Challenge?
Are You Ready for an Academic Challenge?
Join ACES
Join ACES
The Academic Challenge for Engineering and Science is a competition where you can test in two of the following:
Biology
Chemistry (Soph. - Sr.)
Computer Science
Engineering Graphics
English
Mathematics (Jr. - Sr.)
Physics (Sr.)
If you are interested in trying out, join the ACES Google Classroom or ask Mr. Miller.
Google Classroom Code: ibsoqhbc
Image Credit: Google Images
Math Team Completes Second Competition
Math Team Completes Second Competition
Row 1: Jaylen Jones, Annelise Shubert, Ava KInder, and Taylor Lennon, Row 2: Austin Downey, Roark Paszkiewicz, and Conner Timmermann
Math Team Sponsor Bobby Markotay and his NCHS Math Team competed in their second contest at the Southwestern Illinois College on Monday, October 6. Mr. Markotay shared, "All of these students did a fantastic job."
Please CONGRATULATE the following individuals for their recognition.
Austin Downey placed 6th out of all sophomores in the individual event.
Roark Paszkiewicz placed 3rd out of all juniors in the individual event.
Jaylen Jones placed 8th out of all freshmen in the Individual event.
We Are ALL Different
We Are ALL Different
At the first October FCA meeting, the night was kicked off the right way -- with food, including spaghetti, lasagna, and fettuccine, garlic bread, and homemade cookies. Bellies full the students focused on a lesson realizing that we are all different.
Special guest community member Brad Meyer used the Colors & Shapes Personality Activity to demonstrate the lesson. Students were divided into groups based on the characteristics below.
YELLOW Square – Organized, dependable, procedural
• Motivated by stability and duty
• Great planners and rule-followers
GREEN Triangle– Analytical, logical, knowledgeable
• Problem-solvers, value independence
• Precise and data-driven
ORANGE Star– Creative, energetic, spontaneous
• Action-oriented risk-takers
• Flexible and adaptable
BLUE Circle – Empathetic, compassionate, relationship-focused
• People-oriented, harmony seekers
• Motivated by connection and collaboration
Once grouped, they answered various questions about their likes and dislikes. And in the end, they had to answer four questions 1) Which color was most different from you? 2) What new appreciation do you have? 3) How can we support each other better? 4) How do these differences help us as a team/community?
The conclusion learned is that different doesn’t mean wrong—it means complementary. When we value each color (and shape), we build stronger, more inclusive teams. We need to not only be tolerant of people who are different than us, but to understand that we need all types, especially when we are talking about teamwork.
Information and Photo Credit: Mrs. Bergmann
Have You Heard About Our Newest Club?
Have You Heard About Our Newest Club?
If you like reading books and you like writing, join the new Poetry / Book Club. Here you can discuss books that you read and poems that you write.
All students are welcome to this judgement-free zone. The goal is to be better readers and writers and to have fun.
When: Wednesday, October 8
Time: 3:15 - 3:45 p.m.
Where: Mrs. Spenner's Room
If you have questions, please see Mrs. Spenner.
📔✏️🖊️📔✏️🖊️📔✏️🖊️📔✏️🖊️
Image Created by Canva Magic Media
First Priority Meets Again
First Priority Meets Again
Every Tuesday morning, First Priority meets as a student-led club where they come together to learn about Jesus, share life, and bring hope to the NCHS campus. Everyone is welcome—whether you’ve been in church your whole life or are just curious about who Jesus is! If you're interested in joining, speak to Mrs. Olson and/or just show up to share time with other students.
Photo Credit: Calista Harriss
Math Team Season Is Underway
The NCHS Math Team , which is sponsored by Mr. Markotay, competed in the first contest in the 2025 Southwestern Illinois College on Monday, September 22. These contests have two events. The first event is the individual event in which students take an individual math test without a calculator along with every other math team student in the same division. The second event is the team event which involves students getting into teams of four that consists of one freshman, one sophomore, one junior, and one senior. Each team solves math problems together using calculators on a group math test.
AWARDS
Conner Timmermann placed 8th out of all freshmen in the Individual event.
Austin Downey placed 4th out of all sophomores in the individual event.
Jacob Kula placed 5th out of all juniors in the individual event.
Row 1: Jacob Kula, Taylor Lennon, and Austin Downey; Row 2: Annelise Shubert, Jaylen Jones, and Conner Timmermann.
Photo Credit: Mr. Markotay
First Priority Holds its Weekly Meeting
First Priority Holds its Weekly Meeting
All NCHS students are welcome to attend First Priority Club, which meets on Tuesday mornings before school. This group meets to share Christian fellowship and welcomes students from all denominations to join. For more information, please see Mrs. Olson.
Photo Credit: Calista Harris
Chess Club
Let Mr. Haglund know if you're interested and join the Chess Club Google Classroom with the code kfgdsa7.
NEXT UPCOMING GAME DAY
Friday, September 12, after school in the Media Center
In case you're wondering...
Yes, you can play pinochle at Chess Club.
You can play all sorts of games.
Poker, blackjack? Sure. No gambling for real money or possessions though.
Monopoly or Scrabble? Yep. Please don’t flip the board.
What about a long DnD campaign with your friends? Still yes. We’re working on scheduling some longer meetings for those play sessions.
Tabletop reenactment of the Battle of Cannae? Absolutely. Hannibal’s comeuppance has been more than two millennia in the making.
What about actual chess? Yes indeed!
There’s a whole world of electronic entertainment and video games out there. For all the other games, there’s chess club.
At chess club, the rules are to be respectful to the other players, keep your game content school appropriate and…to have fun. That’s it. Come on out and play.
~ Mr. Haglund, Chess Club Sponsor
FCA Hosts First Huddle
FCA Hosts First Huddle
Eighty-seven students enjoyed the first FCA meeting of the year. The evening started with pizza and a "getting to know you" game of rock, paper, scissors. The group then had fellowship with a lesson, discussion, and a prayer. The evening ended with kickball on the front lawn.
Is this the biggest rock, paper, scissors game? Congratulations to Grady Gladson for defeating all opposing rocks, papers, and scissors.
Perfect kickball weather! Was this Seniors (above) versus everyone else (below)?!
All students are invited to join FCA. Keep those ears open for announcements of upcoming meetings.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Bergmann
Page updated
Report abuse