34 years of open doors: A teacher’s legacy at Seneca High
Applebee is retiring after 34 years at Seneca High School. In her final year, former students and colleagues are reflecting on how she transformed literature into lived experience – and created a classroom where every student felt
Getting people back on their feet at A Servant’s Heart
With a background in accounting and an appreciation for small business, Hall is the volunteer treasurer for A Servant’s Heart, a role she said suits her on several levels.
‘Epitome of a volunteer’: Marseilles man’s legacy built on service
Raikes traces his commitment to service back to his childhood in Marseilles, because he had role models who instilled the importance of putting community before self.
They show up, every single day: The Illinois Valley’s reader-nominated Everyday Heroes of 2026
A PE teacher who turned grief into a mental health movement. A school resource officer who never says he’s too busy. A Marine who’s always there. Meet the Illinois Valley’s reader-nominated 2026 Everyday Heroes.
Mendota man wears many hats as he embraces leadership in his community
Perez has devoted himself to his family, co-workers and community in an exemplary fashion, though most may be familiar with his work as a coach.
For 68 Years, one educator has helped Princeton children learn and grow
For 68 years, Walker has been in Princeton Elementary School District 115 helping and guiding children in numerous ways.
Officer building trust on and off the court at Princeton High School
Adam Gutshall, a member of the Princeton Police Department for 18 years, has served as the resource officer at Princeton High School since January 2020 and says the role offers a refreshing change from patrol duty.
34 years of open doors: A teacher’s legacy at Seneca High
‘It’s rewarding’: L-P trainer has been helping athletes for 26 years
After tearing her ACL in high school, Gina Martin decided she wanted to go into athletic training. For the past 26 years, Martin has helped La Salle-Peru athletes get on the field and recover from injuries.
Officer building trust on and off the court at Princeton High School
Adam Gutshall, a member of the Princeton Police Department for 18 years, has served as the resource officer at Princeton High School since January 2020 and says the role offers a refreshing change from patrol duty.