May 11, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Sexton uses love of music as motivation

Joshua Sexton loves band so much he plans on continuing it in college.


“It’s one of my passions,” he said.


Sexton was named the St. Joseph-Ogden Fine Arts Student of the Month.


The SJO junior was nominated by band director Chuck Hess.


Hess said rarely a day goes by where Sexton is not in the music room early, practicing and preparing for upcoming performances.


“Josh is not only a team player but also a leader in the group,” Hess said. “He helps other students with their music and leads sections for the low brass players.”


Sexton plans on majoring in music education when he attends college. He hopes he can share his love of music with students, much like the teachers at SJO have done with him.


“The best thing about being a fine arts student at SJO is having an opportunity to work with many talented and hard working people,” he said. “It takes a lot of practice outside of class but it really pays off in the end.”


Sexton said he was honored Hess nominated him to be the Fine Arts Student of the Month.


“It makes me happy knowing that my teachers have recognized how much work I have put in for my activities,” he said.

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