RPS 205 honored outstanding staff, students, and coaches during its April 21 Board of Education meeting, celebrating their achievements across academics, athletics, and the arts. Students and teams were recognized individually and greeted by School Board members and the Superintendent’s Cabinet before receiving certificates, patches, and photos to commemorate their accomplishments.
Nearly a couple dozen high school seniors have received the Rockford University Education Pathway Scholarship. This fall, they'll begin studying to become future educators. When they finish, they will return to Rockford Public Schools as certified teachers. They'll also have an opportunity to earn a free master's degree along the way.
At East High School, sophomore Saya Hongmoungkhoune earned third place at the IHSA Girls State Wrestling Championships in the 105-pound weight class. She finished the season with an impressive 28-2 record, adding to her state championship title from her freshman year. She was coached by Madelynn Hongmoungkhoune and Gene Lee.
At Jefferson High School, sophomore Kylie Eilken placed seventh in the 190-pound division at the IHSA Girls Individual State Finals. She secured her spot on the podium after multiple wins in a highly competitive field. She was coached by Jonathon Porter.
At Guilford High School, senior AJ Haywood completed a standout wrestling season with a 28-7 record. She won championships at the Ottawa Holiday Hootenanny and Kaneland Knights Invite, earned a Regional title, and advanced deep into the state series, finishing just one match shy of placing at State. She was coached by Rashad Hoel & Heather Babcock-Kuligowski.
East High School also made history in theatre. The Group Interpretation team earned third place at Sectionals with their performance of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, advancing to State for the first time in school history. The team was coached by Lexi Colatorti and Nathaniel O’Brien.
Students earning All-Sectional Cast honors included Paige Neri, Madelynn Bauer-Draugelis, Ace Cox, Andrei Reyes, Jaiyana States, Rieker Brechon, Naya Irizarry, Taj Davis, Amirah Dock, and Myles Jacobs. Additional ensemble members were Hayden Roach, Callie Strecker, Jazlene Longoria, Riley Haffey, and Ethel Harrison. Paige Neri and Madelynn Bauer-Draugelis also earned All-State Cast honors.
At Auburn High School, seven students—Amya Holland, Ruth Sibounheuang-Thammavongsa, Abigail Mandujano, Jeanelly Villanueva, Collin Lester, Zephyr Farris, and Louis Raimbault—were selected to showcase their work at the Illinois High School Art Exhibition, qualifying for college scholarships. Under the guidance of teacher Elizabeth Wood, Auburn seniors earned a combined $1.628 million in scholarship offers. Addi Plath also received an Early College Portfolio Award for a summer program at the Center for Creative Studies.
Finally, at Marshall Middle School, students Alex Granados and Tanay Mewada earned first place in the Cal Ripken Sr. STEM Super Bowl Engineering and 3D Print Challenge. Guided by their teacher, Stacy Wallace, they designed an interactive Super Bowl stage featuring moving parts, lighting, 3D printed elements, and original music, demonstrating creativity, teamwork, and innovation.
